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ISSUE 49
GREENFLEET ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVE An insight into the vehicles and technologies at this year's biggest green driving event
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i-MiEV ROAD TEST | TAX CRACKDOWN | BMW INTERVIEW
PERFORMANCE
COMFORT
SAFETY
Introducing the new 2.0 JTDM-2 140bhp version with just 119g/km CO2, 13% BIK which means the driver pays £92 a month (40% tax bracket).*
Ultimate comfort and space. Coupé looks with 5 door practicality. Features the highest torque in its class compared to other diesel engines** and with up to 72.4mpg Extra Urban cycle.
The safest car of its class. 5 star Euro NCAP. 87/100, maximum score obtained in the 2010 rating.***
DRIVE GIULIETTA.
FROM £279 PER MONTH† BUSINESS USERS ONLY.
VISIT alfaromeo.co.uk/corporate OR CALL 08446 623 622 FOR MORE INFORMATION W I T H O U T H E A R T W E W O U L D B E M E R E M A C H I N E S.
Model shown: Alfa Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 140bhp Lusso at £21,240 OTR including optional Alfa Red special paint at £490. Official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 26.2 – 51.4 mpg (10.8 – 5.5 l/100km); Extra Urban 48.7 – 76.3 mpg (5.8 – 3.7 l/100km); Combined 37.2 – 64.2 mpg (7.6 – 4.4 I/100km). CO2 emissions 177 – 114 g/km. Above rental based on Alfa Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 140bhp Lusso on Contract Hire payment profile of 3 rentals in advance (equivalent to £837) followed by 35 monthly rentals of £279. Rentals shown above exclude VAT and maintenance. Rentals are subject to VAT at statutory rate. Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered with Alfa Romeo Contract Hire before 30th June 2011. Offer subject to status. A guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Offer correct at time of going to press and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Alfa Romeo Contract Hire, 240 Bath Road, Slough SL1 4DX. †Including Alfa Red special paint. *P11D value incl. Alfa Red special paint is: £21,185. **Source – Manufacturer UK websites on 14th January 2011. ***Source – EURO NCAP rating.
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ISSUE 49
Greener cars have risen in popularity among new customers according to recent SMMT figures, with registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles up by more than 48 per cent this April when compared to the same period last year.
GREENFLEET ARRIVE ‘N’ DRIVE An insight into the vehicles and technologies at this year's biggest green driving event
Meanwhile, figures from Carmony.co.uk show a rise in website searches based on fuel efficiency-related criteria in March compared with the same month last year. Please turn over for Transport Business
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It’s good to read that green cars are being actively sought after by the buying public. If you’re yet to adopt greener vehicles, GreenFleet’s Arrive ‘n’ Drive event at Rockingham on 26 May is the perfect place to get started, with opportunities to test drive the latest eco-vehicles around a first class race track. Find out who’s exhibiting on page 53. The Energy Saving Trust also gives advice on how to green your fleet on page 25 – from choosing low emission vehicles to improving fuel management and using telematics. But perhaps the most simple and immediate change you can make is to train yourself and your staff to become more fuel-efficient drivers. Find out how in the Energy Saving Trust’s supplement on Smarter Driving inside. Enjoy the issue.
Angela Pisanu, Editor
P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE If you would like to receive 6 issues of GreenFleet magazine for £65 a year, please contact Public Sector Information Limited, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055. GreenFleet® would like to thank the following organisations for their support:
PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED
226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Karl O’Sullivan PRODUCTION DESIGN Jacqueline Grist PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Reiss Malone PUBLISHER Jade Fisher KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Martin Freedman SALES ADMINISTRATION Jackie Carnochan, Martine Carnochan ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Joanne Mackerness GROUP PUBLISHER Barry Doyle REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media
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Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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MAKE YOUR FUEL COSTS GO FURTHER.
WiTH FUEL pRiCES COnTinUinG TO RiSE, THERE’S nEvER bEEn A bETTER TiME TO RUn A vEHiCLE On CLEAn, COST EFFECTivE LpG. Running a vehicle on LPG can save more than a third on running costs. Multiply this by the whole fleet and the cost savings are significant. And when you consider the environmental advantages of LPG over other road fuels the case for LPG has never been stronger. To find out more call 01527 895 160 or visit www.autogas.ltd.uk.
www.autogas.ltd.uk 01527 895 160 info@autogaslimited.co.uk
CONTENTS 07 NEWS
31 FINANCE
The latest news on green motoring, alternative fuels and low carbon transport
TMC’s Paul Jackson advises businesses on how to avoid becoming a victim of the HMRC’s crackdown on incorrect mileage records
13 TYRE MAINTENANCE Well looked after and correctly inflated tyres can lower fuel costs, reduce CO2 emissions and increased safety, advises TyreSafe
19 CYCLING Thinking about encouraging more cycling within your business? IAM Drive & Survive’s Duncan Pickering gives advice on how to make it possible
25 FLEET MANAGEMENT Get to grips with the principles of choosing a greener fleet with advice from the Energy Saving Trust
Contents
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
47 SMARTER DRIVING SUPPLEMENT The Energy Saving Trust explains how you can become a more fuel efficient driver
51 GREENFLEET SCOTLAND
32 LOGISTICS The Freight Transport Association gives an update on the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme which records, reports and reduces carbon dioxide emissions from UK freight transport
37 INTERVIEW We speak to BMW Group’s Stephen Chater to find out what we can expect from BMW and MINI in 2011 and beyond
44 FUEL MANAGEMENT
A preview of Scotland’s leading greenvehicle event on 1 September
53 ARRIVE 'N' DRIVE What’s in store for fleet managers at this year’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive on 26 May?
71 TEST DRIVE The all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV is taken for a spin
73 PRODUCT FINDER
Aside from lower prices, we find out what other benefits fuel cards offer businesses
GreenFleet Magazine
www.greenfleet.net Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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Looking to change driver behaviour? ecoRoute HD™ works with Garmin’s turn-by-turn navigators and on Android phones to measure driver behaviour, provide active driver feedback and report mileage driven. Simply plug into the vehicle’s OBDII port to view real-time data from your vehicle sensors and gauges. Monitor what impact driver style has on fuel consumption and provide real-time driver alerts on screen, with Garmin ecoChallenge.* For organisations that wish to measure and reduce the size of their Co2 emmisions as part of their corporate social responsibility, ecoRoute HD provides accurate fuel consumption figures so that you can calculate your carbon output. Running a greener fleet doesn’t have to cost the earth but it could help improve your bottom line.
garmin.co.uk/ecoroute *Feature not available on Android version.
NEW CAR CRITERIA
More web searches for fuel-efficient vehicles The number of British drivers seeking out fuel-efficient motors is on the rise, according to a new study. Figures from used vehicle retailer Carmony.co.uk show a rise in website searches based on fuel efficiency-related criteria in March compared with the same
month last year. Queries relating to petrol electric hybrid cars rose by 32 per cent, while searches for vehicles capable of 40 mpg saw a 36 per cent increase over the same period. Meanwhile, the number of queries for petrol cars dropped by around 20 per cent, with those for diesel vehicles comprising almost 80 per cent of all searches.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Heathrow reduces airside vehicle emissions Following a successful trial, Heathrow Airport has purchased hydrogen generator units to reduce emissions from its airside vehicles such as dust carts, sweepers, service vehicles and minibuses. The unit can be retro-fitted on any vehicle (or static machine) with a diesel or petrol engine. The unit ensures a cleaner burn of the fuel, resulting in lower carbon and other emissions, increased power output and the potential for additional fuel and cost savings. A Mercedes 2009 stop/start dust cart was selected for the trial and had a h2gogo 24 volt HRN3 unit fitted to its diesel engine. The vehicle undertook normal duties in airside rubbish collection and loading over
a six week period. The trial readings have proven a reduction of up to 40 per cent in carbon dioxide, particulates, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. This exceeds the levels of emission reduction Heathrow needed to achieve strict company, industry and government targets.
News
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
COMMENT: TESTING TIME FOR EARLY EV MARKET NextGreenCar’s Dr Ben Lane looks at the UK’s acceptance of electric vehicles so far Following a perfect marketing storm, the new market for electric vehicles is getting its first reality check. Although the Plug-in Car Grant has the capacity to subsidise more than 8,000 EVs, official figures just released show only 534 grant registrations so far, with most applications coming from fleets. While sales are well up on 2010, at this rate less than a quarter of the available funding will be allocated by March 2012 when the scheme comes to an end. A new npower survey also suggests that, in spite of the grant, capital cost remains a significant barrier for consumers, many of whom know little about EV fuel costs and recharging requirements – some respondents believed that a EVs cost around £15 to recharge (most can be fully charged for under £2), and a third thought that there were no more than 50 charging points in the UK (over 700 points have been installed at more than 300 locations). As illustrated by the debate at the recent ‘Shades of Green’ event hosted by the RAC Foundation, key issues continue to raise concern about the market potential for electric vehicles, even among EV aficionados. Foremost is whole life cost. While fuel costs are low, once you factor in depreciation, current EV deals offer little if any total cost advantage over conventional models. At the heart of this problem is the remaining uncertainty over battery life, the predicted low resale values reflecting the economic risk. To combat this issue, some manufacturers such as Renault will sell their forthcoming EVs ‘batteries not included’ at conventional sticker prices, with the battery packs being supplied on lease. This contrasts with Nissan’s strategy of selling the battery and car as an integral unit – a result of their in-house research suggesting that’s what their consumers prefer. While only time will tell which strategy works best, the first depreciation rates for battery-lease models look far better than outright purchase. Another issue to emerge at the RAC meeting was the technical results of the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge which featured battery electrics and hybrids, as well as conventional models emitting less than 110 gCO2/km. While the pure electrics were the overall winners on energy consumption (with an average of 147 mpg petrol equivalent), the hybrids won on lifecycle CO2. While the test was far from scientific, it shows that electric vehicles have a real fight on their hands – with conventional models on whole life costs, and with hybrids on green claims. ©Dr Ben Lane, nextgreencar.com
FOR MORE GREENFLEET NEWS PLEASE VISIT... GreenFleet Magazine: www.greenfleet.net
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
07
There is an easier way to save fuel! • Reduce total mileage • Improve your fuel efficiency • Stay out of the jams
Dispatch smartly, send the person best placed for the next job, consume less fuel by managing driving behaviour and stay efficiently on the move by avoiding congestion. See for yourself, how your company can save on fuel cost with business solutions from TomTom. Or contact us: 020 7255 9774 | business.uk@tomtom.com
Let’s drive business™ www.tomtom.com/business
NEWS IN BRIEF
British Gas announces reduced electricity tariff for EV owners Electric car owners could pay as little as 1.25p per mile to power their car under a new tariff announced by British Gas – saving themselves £1,200 a year compared to the cost of petrol. The tariff will enable customers with electric cars to use cheaper off-peak electricity during the night hours to charge their vehicle. Based on current prices, it costs the owner of a typical petrol fuelled car over £65 to fill a 50 litre tank, whereas electric car owners would pay just £6 to charge their car and cover the same mileage. With an average of 10,000 miles
News
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
EVs electrify Cannes film festival red carpet Ten electric vehicles have been chauffeuring actors and film professionals to the foot of the famous red carpet in Cannes for this year’s film festival from 11-22 May. Renault’s Fluence Z.E., the first electric five-seat saloon, is taking a tour of Cannes several months ahead of its launch. As part of the project, charging stations have been installed for Fluence Z.E. in the Palais des Festivals car park, which will be made available to drivers after the event.
per year, this could cut £1,200 from an owner’s annual fuel costs. The tariff will be available to all electric car owners from early in 2012, but British Gas is launching the tariff this summer for up to 150 owners of electric cars to help it gain an indepth understanding of the energy needs of electric car households and help shape future products and services. TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/001
500 green buses for England Government funding of over £46 million will see 542 new low carbon buses on roads across England by March 2012, Transport Minister Norman Baker has announced. The money is part of the government’s drive to target investment in new projects that promote green growth and encourage use of sustainable local transport. All English regions will benefit with funds which have been paid to 20 bus operators and six local authorities. TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/002
ALTERNATIVE FUELS
CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE Milton Keynes first electric vehicle charge points in use
Fuel company to produce biofuel from waste crisps and pies from a variety of food manufacturers nationally. The oils and fats in these foods are extracted through a novel process developed by Brocklesby and are then further purified by Greenergy. Only then are the oils and fats clean enough to be suitable for conversion into biodiesel.The finished biodiesel is then blended in small quantities into the diesel that Greenergy supplies to petrol stations nationally. MK SMART GRID – Paving the way for low-carbon living
Bedford VCP
Wind & solar power
Manufacturing Network Rail HQ
Crematorium (Low Ground Heat Storage)
thecentre:mk
Anaerobic Digestion Plant
Cranfield University
Cathedral
MK Central
Waste t o En erg y
Oil extracted from unsaleable pies, pasties, crisps and other food waste will be used to create a new biofuel in a new partnership between Greenergy and Brocklesby. Greenergy, a privately owned company that supplies one fifth of Britain’s road fuel, and Brocklesby, a specialist in recycling edible oils and unsaleable food products, will work together to convert waste food products into biofuel. Greenergy has invested £50 million in its biodiesel production facility in Immingham on the east coast of England in order to efficiently process used cooking oils. The company already uses significant quantities (more than 20 million litres a month) of biodiesel from used cooking oil supplied from a range of food producers. In order to extend its use of waste-based biofuel even further, Greenergy is now beginning to make biodiesel from high fat solid foods such as pies, sausage rolls, pastry and crisps which are not fit for sale because they are mis-shapen, overcooked or past their sell by date. These food products, which typically contain between 25 per cent and 30 per cent oil and fat, are sourced
The first three electric vehicle charging posts have been switched on in Milton Keynes. The posts cater for up to six vehicles and offer electric vehicle drivers free charging as well as free parking. They are the result of Milton Keynes’ participation in the governemnt’s Plugged-In Places initiative and also support the Borough’s aim of placing 1,000 electric vehicles on its roads by 2014. Milton Keynes is ideally suited to electric vehicle use. Milton Keynes was established in 1967 as the last and most successful of the ‘new towns’ movement. It was deliberately sited equidistant from London, Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge to be a regional hub, and has a distinctive grid layout of roads which allow flexible and free flowing traffic movement.
Offices
XScape Code level 4* and above
SMART GRID Open University Code level 6* Homes Demonstration Project Vehicle Charging Posts (VCP)
University Centre
Retrofit Projects
SME’s
stadium:mk
Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Electric Cars Aylesbury VCP
Electric Buses Hospital (Back-Up Power Generation)
Oxford VCP
Bicester VCP
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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ING GreenCARE: We’ll help you get the right balance
Greener, leaner fleets for a brighter future If you’re under pressure to minimise your fleet costs while also reducing CO2 emissions, then ING GreenCARE could make your life a lot easier. Through comprehensive online reporting and analysis, GreenCARE enables you to assess the environmental impact of your fleet and identify cost savings. You can even benchmark your fleet’s performance and carbon footprint against our best performing customer fleet and the average across our 50,000 vehicles. All at the click of a mouse.
Find out more about this innovative new service today:
Call 0870 402 8242, email info@ingcarlease.co.uk or visit www.ingcarlease.co.uk and click on environment
News
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
NEWS IN BRIEF On-the-spot fines for careless drivers
NEW CAR CRITERIA
Popularity of green cars on the rise Green cars have risen in popularity among new car customers, according to figures published by motor industry group SMMT. The numbers showed that registrations of new cars are up despite continuing turbulence within the new vehicle sector, with registrations of alternatively fuelled vehicles up by more than 48 per cent this April when compared to the
VEHICLE PRODUCTION Ford investigates dandelion roots to use in rubber Researchers at Ford and the Ohio State University have identified dandelion roots as a new sustainable resource for rubber. “We’re always looking for new sustainable materials to use in our vehicles that have a smaller carbon footprint to produce and can be grown locally,” said Angela Harris, Ford research engineer. “Synthetic rubber is not a sustainable resource, so we want to minimise its use in our vehicles when possible. Dandelions have the potential to serve as a great natural alternative to synthetic rubber in our products.” Not all dandelions are suitable however. The Russian dandelion, Taraxacum koksaghyz, which is being grown at the Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, is the right type. A milky-white substance that seeps from the roots of this species of dandelion is used to produce the rubber. Ford could potentially use the substance as a plastics modifier, to help improve the impact strength of plastics. The material might then be used in places such as cupholders, floor mats and interior trim.
same period last year. Overall, 1,986 new alternatively fuelled vehicles were registered in April, a rise from less than 1,350 in the same month in 2010. The market for new vehicle registrations was 1.5 per cent higher than predicted figures and the bestselling motor for April was the Ford Fiesta, with some 6,755 models sold.
Car clubs changing UK driving habits, report shows
UK motorists are changing how they use their vehicles as a result of the rise of car sharing clubs, a new study has found. An annual survey conducted by Carplus, the national sustainable transport charity, revealed that of those who are members of car clubs, one-third had reduced car ownership as a direct result, while 30 per cent have put off buying a new motor. Furthermore, the survey reveals that car clubs members rarely use their shared vehicles, with less than two per cent of members hiring cars on at least a weekly basis. This is despite the fact that membership of car clubs is growing at a rate of 70 per cent annually on average. Carplus chief executive Chas Ball suggests that these drivers are being made more aware of motoring costs and therefore using other forms of transport instead thanks to their car club membership.
Police will get powers to give on-thespot fines to careless drivers, rather than taking them to court, as part of a government strategy to make Britain’s roads safer. Ministers say motorists who tail-gate, undertake or cut others up often go unpunished and that introducing instant penalties would be more efficient. Offenders would get a fine of at least £80 and three points on their licence. Currently motorists who have driven in a careless manner have to be prosecuted through the courts. The proposal was included in the government’s new road safety strategy for England, Scotland and Wales. TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/003
Hertz adds Mitsubishi i-MiEV to fleets Car rental company Hertz has signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to add the pure-electric vehicle i-MiEV to its car rental fleet and car sharing club, Connect by Hertz. Two Mitsubishi i-MiEVs are now available for Connect by Hertz members to zip around London. Hertz plans to add further i-MiEVs to its fleets throughout the year across the UK, as well as offering vehicles for corporate and university pool fleets. Customers will be able to charge their vehicles at Hertz charging stations located across the capital as well as at Heathrow and London City Airport. In addition, customers will have access to the Source London public charging points which are being rolled out across the city by 2013.
TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.greenfleet.net/n/004
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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GREEN ECONOMICS... Finding new ways to reduce costs without putting longer term goals at risk is a real challenge. Many businesses find that whilst there may be a desire to create a sustainable low carbon fleet, delivering savings in the short and medium term becomes a higher priority. So, do you have to choose between environmental goals and budgetary demands? Not when you talk to the right people. As LowCVP's Low Carbon Champions 2010, we can help you create and implement a green fleet policy that does far more than care for the environment. It protects your drivers, minimises risk and reduces the overall cost of running your fleet. To find out more, just call: 01753 802 098 Text: Prove it LeasePlan to 82727 Email: tellmemore@leaseplan.co.uk Visit: www.leaseplan.co.uk
WWW.LEASEPLAN.CO.UK
VEHICLE CHECKS
Tyre Maintenance
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
PROPER TYRE MAINTENANCE IS NO FLEETING ISSUE
Ensuring that tyres are properly looked after and correctly inflated can pay dividends for fleet operators through lower fuel costs, reduced CO2 emissions and increased safety, advises TyreSafe A major tyre manufacturer and member of TyreSafe previously carried out research which found that driving on tyres that are just ten psi under the recommended pressure can increase fuel consumption by 2.5 per cent, potentially adding tens of thousands of pounds annually to a fleet’s running costs. This is due to under inflated tyres having an increased rolling resistance, which means that the engine has to work harder and more fuel is used, making the vehicle less economical. AN ADDED EXPENSE As well as increasing fuel costs, running underinflated tyres adds further expense to fleets as the tyres wear out quicker. At lower levels of under-inflation, the tyre’s contact patch with the road surface is reduced to two small areas towards the outer edges of the tread. With the full vehicle load placed on these areas, the tread wears at a much higher rate, drastically reducing the performance of the
tyre and forcing replacement much sooner than would otherwise have been needed. By running tyres at just 80 per cent of the recommended pressure, fleets can expect tyre life to be reduced to around 75 per cent. If the pressure falls to 60 per cent, operators can expect to achieve just 35 per cent of the potential mileage from the tyre. Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, says: “Although vehicle safety is always paramount, making sure tyres are correctly inflated also has the very attractive benefit
of reduced fuel bills, which is especially important in challenging economic times. So the good news is that fleets really can help keep their costs down by making a just few straight forward tyre pressure checks.” KEEP SAFE The safety implications with underinflated tyres include the increased risk of suffering a blow out at high speed due to excessive heat building up in the tyre. But not only is the safety of the fleet’s E
Although vehicle safety is always paramount, making sure tyres are correctly inflated also has the very attractive benefit of reduced fuel bills, which is especially important in challenging economic times. Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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Tyre Maintenance
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
VEHICLE CHECKS E own drivers put at risk from a tyre failure, other motorists can also be put at risk by any debris left on the carriageway. Furthermore, fitting a replacement tyre on a motorway hard shoulder is an activity fraught with risk and danger. Over-inflated tyres can also pose a problem, as it causes high wear in the centre of the tread. Keeping tyres inflated to the recommended tyre pressure level for the vehicle ensures even tyre pressure distribution, optimum handling, and consequently a more even wear rate, keeping the tyres in service for longer. Meanwhile, drivers found to be driving on illegal tyres risk incurring a personal fine of £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre. Business owners also have a responsibility and duty of care obligation to provide their employees with a safe working environment, which includes the provision of safe and roadworthy vehicles. Under the Health and Safety Offences Act (2009), UK courts have greater authority to prosecute businesses for committing offences such as fitting illegal tyres or faulty brakes. The maximum penalty has increased from £5,000 to £20,000. Yet, the correct pressures for both the laden and unladen state of the vehicle can be found in the vehicle manufacturers’ handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate located on the front door sills. Fleet operators of all vehicles also need to be aware of the different legal requirements for tread depth for tyres so that they do not fall foul of the law, although TyreSafe recommends that drivers, hauliers and fleet operators change their tyres before they reach the legal limit. Tyre tread depth should also be checked at least once a month or at every fleet inspection, using an accurate tread depth gauge. AVOID PENALTIES TyreSafe also reminds fleet operators and hauliers that not only are defective tyres costly to replace but they can result in significant penalty payments if vehicles either miss their delivery slots or deliver late. Defective tyres can also mean the vehicle being kept off the road. Delivery performance is critical to commercial fleets in terms of meeting customer targets and fulfilling service level agreements. Many customers penalise haulage companies for poor delivery performance, which can result in lost contracts or in some industries, such as automotive, fines. Checking that tyres are correctly inflated is an essential part of fleet maintenance and helps fleet managers to retain existing customers, ensuring that poor delivery performance is not a deciding factor when it comes to contract renewal. “All businesses, large or small, that operate cars, vans, light commercial vehicles and HGVs should ensure they have robust procedures in place to regularly check the condition of their fleet’s tyres. “So at a time when every penny counts for
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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 49
many fleets, short and long term dividends can be reaped just by paying extra vigilance and sparing a few extra minutes checking tyre pressures every day,” adds Jackson. OUTSIDE THE LAW Unfortunately though, driving on illegal tyres remains a significant problem in the UK. Figures obtained by TyreSafe through a Freedom of Information request, show that in 2009/10, 2.3 million vehicles failed their annual MOT test where ‘tyres’ was one of the reasons for referral. Insufficient tread depth was a significant part of this, with 1.6 million MOT tests failed because the car’s tyres did not meet the 1.6mm requirements. Additionally, the number of drivers successfully prosecuted by courts in England and Wales during 2008 for driving on defective tyres rose by 14 per cent to more than 4,300 convictions. Meanwhile, a recent VOSA effectiveness report showed that the condition of tyres remained the most frequent prohibition defect at spot checks on light goods vehicles across the country. More worryingly, it also exposed that the incidence rate had increased from 20 per cent in 2007/08 and in 2008/09 to just under 26 per cent in 2009/10. Elsewhere, a previous survey by TyreSafe found that an alarming 25 per cent of company car drivers had never checked the depth of their tyre tread and a further 41 per cent had not checked them within the last six months. TyreSafe’s research also showed that tyre pressure is an area of concern when it comes to company car drivers, with only 31 per cent of respondents having checked their pressures within the last month, compared to 50 per cent of private motorists. Woman fell behind men in terms of taking responsibility for checking their pressures. 86 per cent of male respondents claim to check their own pressures compared to just 38 per cent of women. IGNORANCE ISN'T BLISS Other previous research conducted by TyreSafe revealed that one in 20 motorists were unaware that running a car on underinflated tyres leads to an increase in fuel consumption. It also showed that even those people who were aware that fuel consumption would increase were still not checking their tyre pressures regularly enough. However, ignorance can no longer be an excuse for poor tyre maintenance because TyreSafe has dedicated car, truck and van tyre sections on its website and a brochure about the dangers and risks associated with tyre safety for individuals such as drivers, fleet managers, fleet inspectors and workshop managers. L FOR MORE INFORMATION To receive a copy of the brochure, visit www.tyresafe.org and complete the contact us form.
Top tips for checking tyre pressures correctly Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month and before a long journey. Pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate by the driver’s door sill or inside the fuel filler cap. If you are carrying extra passengers or a full load, pressures should be adjusted in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles). Use an accurate and reliable pressure gauge Check the pressure in all four tyres and don’t forget to check the spare. When checking pressures give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove stones and other objects embedded in the tread. If the tyre has any lumps, bulges or cuts it should be inspected immediately by a professional. Look for any signs of irregular wear on the tread. If in any doubt about your tyre pressure or condition, take your vehicle to your nearest approved fitting centre.
About TyreSafe TyreSafe is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of the dangers of defective and worn tyres. In 2009, TyreSafe was awarded with the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in recognition of its achievements in raising awareness about the dangers associated with driving on defective and worn tyres. TyreSafe supports the government’s ACT ON CO2 campaign which promotes smarter driving tips to help cut CO2 emissions from driving. TyreSafe is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter which was launched in 2004 with the aim of halving the number of deaths on European roads. For more information about TyreSafe, visit the website at www.tyresafe.org.
100,000 MILE
LIFETIME WARRANTY
DISCOVER 3 DAY TEST DRIVE Choosing your next car is an important decision. You need to take your time. So Vauxhall gives you three full days, fully insured and delivered to your door. Commute in it, try it on the motorway and the country lanes. Load it up with the weekly shop – and make sure it fits your garage, as well as your lifestyle. Indeed, use it just as you would your current car, and only then make your mind up.
For more information and details of our 3 Day Test Drive Programme call 0870 010 0651.
Vauxhall Fleet
www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet Terms and conditions apply, please visit www.vauxhall3dtd.co.uk. Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday, 8.00am to 5.30pm excluding Bank Holidays. Calls may be recorded or monitored for quality and/or training purposes. Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty covers lifetime ownership of first car owner, 100,000 mile limit, annual check required. The warranty excludes wear & tear and serviceable items and the vehicle must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s servicing schedule to continue the lifetime warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available to all Vauxhall passenger cars, (this offer does not apply to car derived vans) registered from 1 August 2010.
Reduce d fleet co sts may be closer than you think
Pay less for your fleet Pay nothing to discover how Looking for savings? Look to your fleet. The right vehicles, used for the right trips and driven in the right manner, can save your business thousands of pounds – and cut your carbon footprint. The Energy Saving Trust can help you make the right choices. Funded by the Department for Transport, our impartial advice* comes from expert consultants who have worked with fleets of all sizes. And it’s free. You’ll only pay a price if you turn the page. Energy Saving Trust 0845 602 1425 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet * For vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
CUTTING FLEET EMISSIONS
Construction company Willmott Dixon succeeds in lowering its carbon emissions by 30 per cent Willmott Dixon relies heavily on transport to get its business done. With 730 fleet vehicles of its own, plus that number again in the grey fleet, it acknowledges its environmental responsibilities and has firm structures in place to address the challenges. Its aim was to cut fleet carbon emissions by 30 per cent between 2008 and 2010 and, across the company, to become carbon neutral by 2012. To do this, it employs both carrot and stick. CARROT AND STICK APPROACH Fines have been introduced for divisions in which drivers exceed a combined business and commute mileage allowance of 25,000 miles. But as these penalties could reduce
such lengthy trips have implications for safe and efficient working practices. Whilst the introduction of the new limit attempted to reduce carbon emissions by changing the business culture of driving, the wellbeing of staff, increased productivity and potential cost savings were also seen as key benefits. Unsurprisingly, carrots were much more welcomed by employees than the stick. A cash payment of at least £500 for anyone choosing a lower emitting vehicle – whether privately or as a company car – generated no complaints at all. The £500 bonus kicks in for a vehicle emitting 130g/km, with a further £10 paid for each gram below that. By this calculation, an employee
The company’s average CO2 target of 150g/km by September 2010 was met early: the fleet is already at an average of 137g/km and continues its downward trajectory. business unit results by thousands of pounds (with the cash being recycled to fund other low-carbon initiatives), worried managers were fearful their teams would be penalised for simply doing their jobs. However, in practice, the rule has focused their minds – and their actions. And if 25,000 miles sounds a lot, drivers in the construction industry can clock up such distances quite easily as they visit sites across the country. Furthermore,
choosing a Toyota Prius emitting 89g/ km receives £910. In its first year, the scheme paid out £90,000: a considerable investment but one that reduces fuel costs and visibly proves Willmott Dixon’s commitment to environmental improvement. STAFF INVOLVEMENT But that’s not all. The company’s average CO2 target of 150g/km by September 2010
was met early: the fleet is already at an average of 137 g/km and continues its downward trajectory. The self-imposed maximum permitted CO2 of any vehicle on the fleet list just two years ago was 160g/km. By next year it will be just 130g/km. Rob Lambe, managing director of Willmott Dixon’s internal sustainability consultancy Re-Thinking, says: “Encouraging our staff to play their part in reducing fleet emissions was critical. Because we provide a wide range of vehicles employees had significant amounts of choice. The choice editing we applied was not so restrictive that it prevented people from picking a car they wanted rather than one they had to have.” National recognition for the company’s achievements came earlier this year when the Energy Saving Trust’s Fleet Hero judges honoured Willmott Dixon’s initiatives. The annual award ceremony recognises organisations that have made significant fleet achievements. Willmott Dixon won the category of 'leadership in the private sector,' with the judges saying that the company evidenced a “holistic, transparent approach to fleet management that is integrated with its CSR policy.” Willmott Dixon is now also a member of the Energy Saving Trust’s Motorvate scheme, which is only open to organisations that have made a firm commitment to continuing environmental improvements in their fleet. L
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Environmental Strategy
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FOR MORE INFORMATION www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet
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Nobody is closer to your car rental needs
With 350 branches spread across the UK, Enterprise is within 5 miles of 75% of the population*. So whenever you need a rental vehicle, and whatever the circumstances, you can be sure of a rapid response from our friendly, professional team. And you can choose our optional pick-up (or delivery) service for added convenience!
enterprise.co.uk • 01784 221 300
To find out more about our environmental platform please visit www.drivingfuture.co.uk Š 2011 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Pick-up is subject to geographic and other restrictions. * Autofocus 2009
CYCLE TRAINING
A FLEET FUELLED BY HUMAN POWER Looking to cut staff travel costs and carbon emissions? With the help of tax breaks and training, you could be on your way to starting a new, healthy cycling fleet, says Duncan Pickering, IAM Drive & Survive’s cycling manager The two scariest things I’ve done in my life are scaling a sheer cliff face in the Italian Dolomites and navigating the Chiswick roundabout on my bike. Both adrenalinefuelled. Both dangerous. The chances are that if you tell someone you cycle to work they will look at you like you have a death wish. But just as training helped me scale a cliff face, it will make cycling employees safer. These days I regularly cycle the 30 mile round trip from home in Staines to IAM house in Chiswick. And I am not the only new cycling commuter. Sky-high fuel prices have seen enormous growth in cycling to work and cycling for business. BETTER ON THE PURSE Cycling to work instead of driving or paying for public transport saves a lot of money. For example, commuters in London pay more than £25 for a weekly zone one and two pass to use the underground. Switching to pedal power
would easily save them over £1,300 a year. It’s the same for businesses. With 23 per cent of car trips being less than two miles, it makes sense for them to encourage cycling. Firms with staff wellbeing and environmental policies actively promote cycling. We all need regular exercise and the truth is that most of us do not get enough. Cycling is much more convenient than joining a gym or going swimming and it is a regular exercise that can be easily slotted into most of our daily lives. It even makes us more productive – healthier staff are more alert and have greater concentration. And there’s no need to worry about arriving for work exhausted from the ride, as cycling commuter Ella Harvey of Canary Wharf Management explains: “When I arrive I’m better than when I take the train. I feel fresher and more alert. I’m in a better mood for work. “The traffic makes cycling more challenging but I like the fact that I have
Cycling
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to be constantly alert and I don’t take any unnecessary risks. My company encourages cycling. There are showers and places to lock your bike, it’s secure.” HEALTH AND SAFETY But companies need to address their cyclists’ health and safety just as they do their fleet drivers. Health and safety manager Paul Coster said: “Canary Wharf Management has 600 cyclists. There is added value in cycle training and we don’t want staff having accidents if they can be avoided. Our aim is to make sure that anything our staff do – in or out of work – is safe. We are even researching their cycling routes so we can get them into the area more safely.” The government's cycle to work scheme has put well over half a million new bikes on the road, half of them ridden by new or returning cyclists. It works by staff paying for the bike tax-free over a loan E
About Cycle2Work Cycle2Work is a government tax break to encourage cycling to work. It means employees make huge savings on a new bike and safety accessories. Employers benefit too by encouraging a healthier workforce and by offering a tangible benefit to staff. More information is available at www.bike2workscheme.co.uk
Ella Harvey, Canary Wharf Management
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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The hare never wins. Is your fleet driving smarter, reducing fuel costs and environmental impact? Everyone knows the story. Fast is not always better, as the hare found out to his cost. It’s the same with your fleet. At IAM Drive & Survive, we know time is of the essence, but did you know that poor vehicle control can burn up costly fuel, eat into your profits, increase your overheads and harm the environment? Our Ecolution and Fuel Wise programmes are just two of the ways we can help your fleet to drive smarter, reduce costs and improve your green credentials. IAM Drive & Survive - Naturally better risk management.
Visit: www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk Alternatively, call us on 0870 120 2910 or email: enquiries@iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk
CYCLE TRAINING
Cycling
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Hey, you in the lorry... The risk to cyclists from large lorries turning left at junctions is well known, particularly in urban areas, says IAM Drive & Survive’s Simon Elstow. In London, while lorries make up only five per cent of London traffic, they are involved in over half of cyclist fatalities. It‘s a similar story in other urban areas and let’s face it, a poorly-trained London lorry driver could easily be in Birmingham or Bristol in just a few hours. While crashes are rare, they are nearly always serious or fatal. And with each road death costing £1.7 million there is a very good reason to stop the death toll, before we even think about the human tragedy.
E period of one or two years. Employers benefit from lower tax as well. But with cycle to work the employer owns the bike until the loan is paid off. This means the same health and safety rules apply to the bikes as any other company equipment – making safety training essential. It makes sense for employers to encourage cycling to and for work, and to make sure they are confident and safe cyclists. Lucie Davis from Halfords cycle2work said: "I was a little apprehensive about heading out on the roads, having not done so before. But the session went at a good pace and I was really surprised how quickly my confidence grew as we went along. Never for a second did I think I'd manage hand signals either. I think it's an invaluable experience for anyone looking to road cycle." IAM Drive & Survive’s cycle training is something that can help all of us, from the complete beginner to the experienced road rider. ENHANCING CONFIDENCE CycleCheck is for new and returning cyclists to have their abilities and skills checked in a safe off-road environment. It covers basic cycling including control, braking, changing gear and signalling to improve awareness and confidence. CycleRide enhances confidence and security by encouraging assertive road positioning and awareness of other road users, including pedestrians. It takes place on the road. CycleRide+ prepares cyclists for complicated challenges on the road such as negotiating multi-lane roundabouts. Training takes place around the workplace so it takes into account local roads and conditions at any time of day, including lunchtimes and weekends.
THE CYCLING SAFETY METHOD • Give an unused bike an MOT. You can do this yourself or pay a cycle shop to do it. • Get poll position at the lights. Wait at the front – the box with a white cycle symbol shows you where. Never wait on the left of lorries or buses. Make eye contact with drivers so they know you're there. If you can't get in front safely, wait behind. • Never undertake a large vehicle at a junction. Never cycle on the left or near the front of large vehicles especially at a junction where there’s a left turn the driver can't see you. • Consider your road positioning. Keep a door width's space between you and parked cars. If the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you then it may be safest to ride in the middle of the road and assert your position as a road user. • Make yourself visible. In dull or dark conditions you must have a white front light and red tail light. Wear something bright or reflective so you can be seen more easily. • Follow the rules of the road. Don't ride through red traffic lights and don't cycle on the pavement unless it is signed as a shared path. Remember that pedestrians always have priority on shared paths. • Improve your confidence. If you feel the roads are a lot faster and busier than when you last cycled, invest in cycle training. This can really help you to understand how positioning and your riding style can make you safer and more visible. • Wear a helmet. But don’t assume this is enough to keep you safe. Ride defensively and always make the assumption that you may not have been seen. L
Training cyclists is sensible and necessary but training professional drivers is essential. They have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of other road-users, even unskilled cyclists. Drivers should keep constant watch while approaching junctions, noting anything that might be moving into a position where they can't be seen. Blind spots don’t cause crashes; drivers do. If there is any doubt, the driver should behave as if there was a cyclist in the blind spot. If they turn carefully and slowly it will give the cyclist time to take action and the chances are the driver will spot the cyclist in the mirrors. Things like looking at route directions will draw attention from the road so drivers must allow for the fact that junctions are distracting for themselves and the cyclist. Cyclist awareness must be part of every lorry driver’s continuous professional development. Cyclists should never undertake on the left. Especially at junctions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0870 120 2910 www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk/cycling
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By “the future” we mean 8 to 11 September at Battersea Power Station* in London. EcoVelocity is the UK’s first motor show dedicated to low-carbon motoring. Come and test drive a massive range of lowcarbon vehicles from all the leading manufacturers.
8 – 11 September 2011
Battersea Power Station,* London Register your interest today at ecovelocity.co.uk Current exhibitors include:
*Pending planning and licensing permission. BATTERSEA POWER STATIONtm is licensed by REO (Powerstation) Limited. All rights reserved.
Proudly supported by:
SAFE CHARGING
CHARGING YOUR PLUG-IN VEHICLES
EDF Energy, the UK's largest producer of low carbon electricity, is working closely with motor manufacturers and customers to develop products and services to support the plug-in vehicle market If you are thinking of buying a plug-in vehicle or have placed an order, then you will need to start thinking about a convenient and safe recharging infrastructure. EDF Energy, the country’s largest producer of low carbon electricity, is working closely with motor manufacturers and customers to develop products and services to support this new market. Duty of care for vehicle operators when recharging either a pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is of paramount importance – it is the fleet and facilities managers’ responsibility to ensure that an employee should be in a situation where they know that they are recharging safely, whether the car is at work or at the employee's home. From a fleet perspective, there are four considerations when thinking about plug-in vehicles and how to recharge them: 1. Safety – what are the minimum requirements? 2. How fast do the vehicles need to charge? (a standard domestic plug only provides a very slow charge) 3. Power available – how many plug-in vehicles will I be charging? 4. Monitoring charging – how can I monitor who is recharging the plug-in vehicle(s) and when? EDF ENERGY’S EXPERIENCE EDF Energy has a wealth of knowledge of working with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. EDF Group has 40 years experience in plug-in vehicle recharging. EDF Energy has expertise in the field of safe recharging with real hands-on experience of working
with motor manufacturers in the fleet and retail market, through the completion of site survey and installations for plug-in vehicles in UK Government trials. Each installation of the 60+ sites has been a case study and learning experience for EDF Energy. EDF Energy has a specialist team of plug-in vehicle and recharging experts, as well as fully trained in-house electricians and a dedicated ‘green energy’ contact centre. HOW EDF ENERGY CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS Using this experience EDF Energy has developed a suite of products and services to offer to fleet managers. The aim is to help you successfully plan your future infrastructure requirements. You may only be trialling a small volume of plug-in vehicles at present, but what happens if this increases? Depending on what you need, EDF Energy can help with areas such as: • Advice on where and how to charge your plug-in vehicle fleet • Comprehensive site survey • Technical reporting • Installation of a range of infrastructure solutions • Tracking of usage and savings to manage your fuel budget L FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information and advice on safe recharging contact: Catherine Perrin, product development manager at EDF Energy: catherine.perrin@edfenergy.com Tel: 01273 428635
Electric Vehicles
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Case Study: Transport for London EDF Energy undertook the installation of a multi-site plug-in vehicle recharging network for TfL. This supported a three year project which forms part of the Technology Strategy Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Project. Planning and Preparation EDF Energy completed surveys of all sites. Liaising with fleet managers, facilities managers, electrical contractors and charge point manufacturers gave a good understanding of the infrastructure needs. The Requirements • Infrastructure to support over 20 drivers • Ease of use as drivers may be infrequent users of charge points • Secure access to prevent unauthorised public usage • Distinguish different drivers • Multiple sites to maximise plug-in vehicle range The Solution • Bespoke design for each location including health and safety considerations • On-street charge post installed at a bus station in North London to help raise public awareness of adoption of low carbon technologies • Secure access is ensured through RFID identification tag • Robust, weather proof industrial sockets installed in off-street locations as a low cost solution • Training provided to fleet drivers to ensure correct and safe method of charging • Smart meters and vehicle identification systems installed for remote collection of data allowing for reporting and analysis on recharging behaviours, running costs and carbon emissions Insight One installation required a mains supply upgrade. This is a complex process and will take a minimum of 12 weeks to complete, requiring all stakeholders to be engaged from the outset. This upgrade demonstrates that the process must be understood and that clear and ongoing communication is required between the customer, energy supplier and distribution network operator. Customer Comment At the outset we thought that installing sockets for our electric vehicles would be a straightforward task but we realised very early into the project that this wasn’t going to be the case. Although we have had challenges in terms of upgrading old electrical systems, it has been a valuable learning process and we are now much better equipped to deal with any future installations.
Photo provided courtesy of Toyota GB.
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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PROCUREMENT
THE PRINCIPLES OF CHOOSING A GREENER FLEET You understand the business and ethical case for greening your fleet, but where do you start? Ian Featherstone, the Energy Saving Trust's fleet advice manager, explains the process Years ago, running a company fleet seemed so easy. The bosses got nice BMWs or Mercedes. Range Rovers if they wanted to stand out. The salespeople wanted BMW or Mercedes, but got Ford saloons. And middle managers drove bigger Fords or smaller BMWs and spent their time plotting how to get a promotion so they could have a GL instead of an L. Nobody bothered much about carbon emissions or
is so inextricably linked with expenditure. The issue today is not getting started on greening the fleet, but on making continuous improvements. The basic green fleet principle is unchanged: to minimise cost and maximise efficiency. But improvement requires data. It’s surprising how little information some companies hold about their existing fleet. It should go without saying that employers will
Many company car drivers may still have an eye on status, but increasingly employees and customers want to know that organisations are not willfully ignoring environmental considerations when they make fleet decisions. the environment, or even fuel efficiency or leasing costs. It was all about status or, at best, about getting the job done, rather than any consideration for the environment. How things have changed. Running a fleet has always been expensive, but today finance directors and business owners are much more forensic in their approach to assessing the impact of fleet vehicles. Environmental considerations are at the top of the agenda too, not least because regulations from both the UK government and the EU have tipped the financial balance in favour of low-emitting cars. Many company car drivers may still have an eye on status, but increasingly employees and customers want to know that organisations are not willfully ignoring environmental considerations when they make fleet decisions. The good news is that the motor industry has invested considerably so that companies and their drivers benefit. Almost all manufacturers produce lower emission vehicles that will be at home in any fleet. In fact, the choice is so large and advances so frequent that it takes some keeping up with.
instead of a company car can’t complain when similar rules apply to the vehicles they drive as they do to company cars, including age limits on the vehicles. Allowances are intended to fund an equivalent vehicle, so drivers should not be surprised that limits are set. Assigning responsibility for the grey fleet is the first step in managing it.
Fleet Management
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SLASHING THE FUEL BILL Fuel management can almost always be improved. One way is to drive less, which means looking at journeys, improving route planning, or introducing telematics. Another way is to examine how employees pay for fuel. If you allow staff to add private fuel onto their company fuel cards, believing it to be an employee perk, it’s almost certainly costing the organisation and the employee money as the tax is often higher than the cost of the fuel the employee receives in kind. It also encourages negative driver behavior: why use less fuel when the perception is that it’s being paid for? However, withdrawing the (perceived) benefit of free fuel may not go down well – some basic rate taxpayers who drive a relatively high number of private miles might be out of pocket. But the cost of compensating employees so that they don’t lose out is almost always cheaper than providing free fuel itself. Some organisations wrongly assume fuel E
know what vehicles they own or lease and which employees use them. But often they won’t know exactly what the vehicles are used for – the kind of journeys that are being made, which routes are planned (or often, not planned), how far the average journey is and so on. For many, the most significant data is contained on expense claim forms, and that is usually limited to total monthly mileage. The biggest omission is usually the impact of the grey fleet, which are typically older, less well-maintained cars that emit higher levels of carbon than their fleet equivalents. Employers need to insist on higher grey fleet standards. Employees who choose a cash option
A REVIEW OF THE FLEET Very few companies have made no attempt to consider the environmental impact of their fleet, because it
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ET ER E FL FF EN L O E R A G ECI SP
PROCUREMENT E cards for their car fleet means paying for private mileage; this is not the case. The undoubted benefits of fuel cards should be linked to a simple calculation rewarding those drivers who reduce their fuel bill through better driving and choice of filling station. Here’s the maths: Divide a driver’s monthly fuel bill by the number of miles driven to reach a ‘pence per mile’ cost. Then multiply this figure by the driver’s private mileage to determine the amount to be deducted from salary. This incentivises drivers to avoid expensive filling stations – at motorway service stations, say, drive more economically and, when the time comes, to choose a more economical car come replacement time. So although greener vehicles are more economical vehicles, which means lower fuel bills, it doesn’t automatically mean lower total costs. That’s because fuel is just one element in the calculation of whole-life costs. Many organisations haven’t cottoned on to this calculation, preferring instead to look at the initial purchase or monthly lease cost and miles per gallon. Whole life costs, however, take fuel economy and tax into account and should be based on your typical replacement cycle and mileage. ENCOURAGING A GREENER CHOICE When it comes to selecting vehicles for the fleet list, organisations have policy decisions to make. Should they restrict the choice that employees can make, or allow a free-for-all and instead try to influence decisions so that a green choice seems (and indeed is) the natural choice? No one likes to be pressurised into selecting a car they’re going to be unhappy driving for years to come. So it makes sense to keep employees on side by providing a wide selection of appropriate vehicles. The tax system already incentivises a greener choice. Companies could add incentives of their own, perhaps by increasing the lease allowance (or even make a bonus payment) for low-emitting cars (see box). There are pitfalls. Some families may need an MPV. A blanket ban on such vehicles might not go down well, but directing people to the most efficient MPVs could work. Employees should also be aware that their choice affects their benefit in kind liabilities. By choosing a high-emitting car, they choose to pay more tax – and more for their private fuel use. Such knowledge helps focus the mind. DON’T FORGET THE VANS Here’s a basic question for organisations that rely on a van fleet: do you really need vehicles so large? Many fleets have improved their green credentials and saved money by reviewing their real needs and downsizing. For example, a check on which tools and spare parts are needed on most engineer visits could reveal that different racking options or side load doors may make a smaller vehicle practical.
Fleet Management
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WORKING OUT FAIR MILEAGE PAYMENTS Cost of Fuel for the Month
£250.00
Total Miles
2,000
Pence Per Mile Fuel Cost (£250/2,000 miles)
£0.125p
Private Miles
500
Private Mileage Deduction (500 miles x £0.125)
£62.50
STAFF INCENTIVE Example 1: Employee selects a vehicle under the company's benchmark CO2 limit CO2 benchmark limit
130g/km
Employee’s monthly allowance
£370
CO2 emission of selected vehicle
115g/km
Employee’s additional allowance (15 g/km x £1 = £15)*
£385
Example 2: Employee selects a vehicle over the benchmark CO2 limit CO2 benchmark limit
130g/km
Employee’s monthly allowance
£370
CO2 emission of selected vehicle
160g/km
Employee’s reduced allowance (30 g/km x £1 = £30)*
£340
*£1 per g CO2, all the figures in this example are for illustrative purposes only
Speed limiters are proven energy savers and are often factory-fitted options. Ford’s data demonstrates that a Transit 260 or 280 van with a standard roof height used 19 per cent less fuel at 60mph than 70mph, and at 65mph the reduction in fuel consumption was still ten per cent. Drivers report much less stress and little noticeable different in reaching jobs on time. Telematics can improve route and work scheduling and cut mileage. A good system can be invaluable for monitoring driver behavior. Alerts for speeding, rapid acceleration and deceleration can help manage and encourage safer, more fuelefficient driving styles. However, some organisations under-utilise telematics systems: resources must be made available and staff fully trained to exploit the management data provided by the system.
WHERE TO TURN Just when you think you’ve got to grips with the complexities of environmental fleet management (and some of it is complex, although much is common sense) something changes somewhere. A tax rule. A manufacturer’s initiative. An environmental regulation. The Energy Saving Trust keeps abreast of all the changes in the industry and offers free Green Fleet Reviews. Alternatively, we’re on hand simply to answer any queries organisations may have about their fleets. You can be assured that, whenever there’s a change that affects fleet, we’ll know about it. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 602 1425 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet
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105g/km
130g/km
134g/km
185g/km
202g/km
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES The Wheels of Business
To find out more please visit your local Vauxhall Commercial Vehicle Retailer, call 0845 740 0777 or visit www.ecofl exvans.co.uk
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FUEL & MILEAGE CLAIMS
GET YOUR BOOKS IN ORDER TMC's Paul Jackson urges organisations to keep full and accurate records of fleet mileage to avoid hefty fines from the HMRC Firms are facing six-figure back-tax bills and fines for payments on 'phantom' business miles in a wave of investigations into fuel and mileage payments. HMRC has declared open season on insufficiently-checked mileage claims, with evidence of tax inspectors going to extraordinary lengths to uncover false or missing reports. EASY TARGET Mileage reporting irregularities are in the firing line because HMRC sees them as low hanging fruit in its campaign to find and recoup unpaid business taxes. Indeed, The Miles Consultancy's (TMC) research has shown that on average 25 per cent of fuel claims by UK employees are fraudulent. Mileage claims are seen as an easy target by
the Revenue’s investigators because virtually all companies pay drivers miles and the tax rules require businesses to keep records to substantiate what they pay to drivers. If HMRC finds errors in the records, such as drivers claiming tax-free mileage payments for more miles than they actually drove, they can go after a company for the tax due on the difference – plus interest and penalties. RUTHLESS CHECKS We have evidence that HMRC is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for non-compliant records. For example, a tax investigator spent days using an online route planner to scrutinise claims made by 20 drivers, as he went through one company’s mileage records. The checks, which went back more than four years, allegedly revealed inaccuracies that usually resulted in the drivers being paid too much. HMRC told the firm it would treat claims by the firm’s 135 other drivers as similarly inaccurate. It has warned the business that it faces a potential total charge of £200,000 in respect of tax-free payments it made for these
alleged 'phantom' business miles. This is not an isolated case. TMC has come across five similar on-going cases in the last six months. More than £700,000 in back taxes could be at stake in total for all the businesses involved. UNAUDITED The problem in HMRC’s eyes was that, although the company could support past expenses payments with detailed records of journeys, it had not done anything to verify that the distances claimed were accurate. Had the company (or a third party) audited the drivers’ reports and seen to it that errors were corrected, it would have avoided a penalty. Not so long ago a firm in this situation could reasonably expect to be let off with a warning from their tax office to do things properly in future. Now HMRC is under pressure to recover as much unpaid tax as it can. Even though only a minority of individuals might have systematically abused mileage expenses, those few bad apples will taint a whole fleet in the event of a tax investigation unless the employer can show that records
Fuel consumption figures for Saab 9-3 1.9TTiD Saloon and SportWagon Range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 35.8 – 50.4 (7.9 orders received by 30.06.11. £289 monthly figure is based on a 9-3 SE Saloon 1.9TTiD (130PS) Manual on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal Limited Master Agreement and your local dealer. All quotations are subject to availability, status and agreement. Guarantees may be required. Terms are unavailable to existing customers under specific end-user terms accountant on their tax position. Contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Saab Contract Hire, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. On the road prices include number plates, delivery, *119g/km CO2 emissions relates to MY12 9-3 manual Saloon and SportWagon SE diesel models only.
Maximum Power. Class leading 180PS performance.
The new enhanced Saab 9-3 range
were generally audited. And if a firm’s records are not merely unchecked but also incomplete, even stiffer penalties may apply. One company could not produce mileage records relating to all its past payments to drivers. HMRC took the view that this meant that the firm had effectively paid for some private fuel and therefore the drivers owed private fuel benefit tax going back six years. The company eventually paid the drivers’ tax liabilities as part of a total settlement of over £350,000. ACHIEVING COMPLIANCE Fortunately, the advent of dedicated online mileage reporting has made it much easier for fleets to enable company car and grey fleet drivers to accurately record their business and private mileage and comply with the tax reporting rules. Instead of drivers laboriously logging trips on hard-to-check paper forms or spreadsheets, they can enter them on a purpose-designed system that helps them by allowing them to save their ‘favourite’ journeys and enter trips using postcodes. These reports can then be independently and proactively checked (and if necessary queried directly with the driver) by a mileage capture and audit service.
For employers, online mileage audit solves several issues at once. It gets mileage data out of individual travel and entertainment budgets and puts it where it can be seen and analysed. By deterring drivers from making mistakes – deliberate or genuine – the system delivers an average reduction of 25 per cent in fuel and mileage expenses when businesses first start
Finance
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CO2 emissions for each car and driver in the company and sends each driver a quarterly report. This allows drivers to benchmark their CO2 emissions and reduce them by travelling fewer miles, driving more efficiently and choosing cleaner cars. Never forget, though, that mileage recording, by itself, is only half the battle. Unless
Even though only a minority of individuals might have systematically abused mileage expenses, those few bad apples will taint a whole fleet in the event of a tax investigation unless the employer can show that records were generally audited. using it. Other financial benefits include making the payment of expenses more efficient and enabling 100 per cent recovery of VAT on fuel. The wealth of data provided by mileage audit also supports effective environmental policy decisions designed to deliver long term cuts in CO2 and fuel use through carbon reporting. Carbon reporting calculates individual
businesses ensure their reports are proactively audited, they are simply ensuring that their business is an obvious target as far as HMRC are concerned. Whatever you unwittingly pay for phantom business miles will double if the taxman comes along and decides to audit your records for you. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk
– 5.6), Extra-urban 56.5 – 72.4 (5.0 – 3.9), Combined 47.1 – 62.8 (6.0 – 4.5). CO emissions 159 – 119g/km.
2 Offer available to business users for to 3 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. Excess mileage charge applies if contract mileage is exceeded. For full terms and conditions and specification please refer to the Saab Great Britain with Saab Great Britain Limited. Details correct at time of publication and may vary, eg if list price changes. Saab Great Britain Limited does not offer tax advice to individuals: company car drivers should consult their Road Fund Licence, first registration fee and VAT. Excludes fuel and insurance. Models shown are 9-3 Aero SportWagon 1.9TTiD (180PS) Manual at £28,235 OTR and 9-3 Aero Saloon 1.9TTiD (180PS) Manual at £26,995.
Minimal Tax. 119g/km CO2 and 13% BiK.
The Saab 9-3 range has evolved. Thanks to advanced twin turbocharging the 1.9TTiD Saloon and SportWagon now deliver CO2 emissions of just 119g/km*, firmly placing them in the attractive 13% BiK tax band. But their 62.8mpg combined cycle fuel economy does not compromise performance. In fact, the exhilarating 180PS TTiD variants are the most powerful sub 120g/km cars on sale today. All beautifully complemented by refreshed styling inside and out, plus the generous array of standard equipment you’ve come to expect from Saab, including Bluetooth and leather interior trim. We like to think of this as fine tuning at its finest.
The enhanced 9-3 TTiD range starts from £22,495 or £289 pcm† (ex. VAT) .
For more information or to book a test drive contact saabcorporatesales@saab.com †
Plus an advance rental of £867.
Logistics
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
FEATURE SUB SECTION
CARBON REPORTING
HOW GREEN IS YOUR TRANSPORT OPERATION? The Freight Transport Association gives an update on the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme, an industry-led voluntary scheme to record, report and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from freight transport activity in the UK With carbon dioxide emissions from logistics accounting for almost a third of total domestic transport emissions in the UK and with tough targets to meet under the Climate Change Act 2008 (an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, against a 1990 baseline), it is up to the industry itself to take the reins of its own carbon destiny. Last year, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) revealed in these pages that it was launching a scheme to give companies reliant on an efficient supply-chain the means to not only report and ultimately reduce their own carbon dioxide emissions but also help build an accurate picture of the logistics sector’s total carbon footprint. HOW IT WORKS The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) will enable industry to arm government with a robust set of data on which to base its future environmental policies, at least where the logistics sector is concerned.
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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 49
Scheme members commit to regularly reporting their fuel use figures, from which carbon dioxide emissions for the scheme are derived, together with a set of four activity and business-based normalisers. From these datasets, absolute levels of emissions and the relative improvement in emissions over time can be monitored. HISTORIC TRENDS Historic trends in emissions have been tracked, where data is available, back as far as 2005. This has given industry confidence that the datasets being monitored are providing a credible picture at an aggregated level, and that the information is based on data which is already compiled within companies as part of operational key performance indicators and management reporting. Since LCRS was launched last year, it has accrued and analysed fuel usage data
from 45 businesses – including the likes of Arla, Warburtons, and Roberts Bakery, third party transport operators, retailers, councils, utility companies and builders’ merchants, who between them operate in excess of 40,000 commercial vehicles. INITIAL RESULTS It was with some excitement, then, that the LCRS's first annual report was published last month to coincide with Climate Week, revealing some positive news. Firstly, its voluntary members committed to an eight per cent cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2015 (compared to 2010 levels). This target is not an arbitrary one and reflects planned changes at an operator level in vehicle fuel efficiency, improvements in vehicle productivity, greater use of rail freight and uptake of alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles. Secondly, the overall carbon usage of its participants steadily improved between 2005 and 2009. And this is not because there is less trucks on the road as a result of tough trading conditions; these figures are based on carbon emissions related to total vehicle kilometres. More than just measuring and benchmarking success, the LCRS looks to share best practice to help all transport operators achieve greater environmental performance and, as a result, a better image and cheaper operating costs too. All of which are becoming increasingly important as profit margins in the sector become squeezed by rising fuel costs and greater market competition. ENDORSEMENT FROM THE TOP This cost pressure is not lost on the government it would seem as on 7 April the FTA’s chief executive, Theo de Pencier, received a letter of ministerial endorsement for the E
CARBON REPORTING E Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme. Mike Penning, transport minister at the Department for Transport, said: “I welcome the Freight Transport Association’s Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme. The fact that it already covers nearly 40,000 vehicles – and will expand to cover more – will help to provide a detailed picture of the quantity and trend of carbon emissions by the freight industry and show that it is capable of working together, voluntarily, to tackle its harmful emissions. The scheme is the first of its kind for the freight sector, and should deliver real progress toward the UK’s carbon reduction targets.” CHALLENGE No doubt about it, climate change is one of the greatest transport policy challenges facing the government. The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme forms an important part of industry’s response to that challenge by capturing the progress that is being made by individual businesses in reducing the carbon emissions from their freight transport activities and, for the first time, committing the scheme membership as a whole to a future carbon reduction trajectory. The minister’s endorsement of the scheme transforms it from a pioneering initiative to a mainstream policy instrument. Of course, the logistics sector is already
blessed with some great examples of environmentally-friendly best practice. Keystone Distribution, for example, recently signed up to the Scheme. “At Keystone Distribution UK we are making significant progress in reducing our carbon emissions by collecting used cooking oil and converting it to biodiesel,” says Gary Todd, logistics director at Keystone Distribution UK. “This powers the majority of our fleet and saves 9,429 tonnes of CO2 emissions from being emitted into the atmosphere a year. As a leading logistics firm we feel it is imperative to join the LCRS to further demonstrate our commitment to meeting the challenges of climate change.” BEST PRACTICE It is with the help of companies like Keystone that a carbon emission reduction target of eight per cent in the time parameters agreed is not only eminently fair but helped by the sharing of carbon best practice from leading companies in the sector. To that end FTA recently launched the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) Knowledge Bank to profile the efforts that industry is making to reduce its carbon emissions and to allow operators to share best practice. The Knowledge Bank sets out the climate change challenge for freight, offers tips for
Logistics
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
reducing emissions and currently features carbon reduction case studies from Howard Tenens, TDG UK, Ceva Logistics and Boots UK. Carbon dioxide emissions from lorries and vans are responsible for 90 per cent of all domestic freight emissions, so the logistics sector needs to focus here to effect meaningful change. The scale of the task in hand is considerable given there are some 400,000 trucks and three million vans out there helping to keep UK plc running, which is why industry support for this scheme is so important. FUEL SAVINGS With fuel by far the biggest single input cost for the logistics sector it is little wonder that the industry has already made great strides to mitigate its environmental impact, without the need for government regulation. As such there are already a great many companies that espouse excellent environmental best practice through investing in greener technology and ecodriver training, or by using other modes of freight transport or employing intelligent, low-cost solutions like night-time deliveries. With tough national and international climate change targets to meet, industry must shape its own carbon destiny. The good news is that it looks more than capable. L
ING Car Lease works closely with customers to continuously improve its products and services Greg Taylor, commercial director at top ten fleet management company ING Car Lease, explains why the company’s focus on service over the last five years has paid real dividends for fleet managers. Since our acquisition of Appleyard in 2006, we’ve placed a real emphasis on developing our customer service and introducing sector-leading innovations to make life easier for fleet managers. In the last three years alone, we’ve launched the GreenCARE online fleet calculator system – now about to enter its third phase, repackaged our driver training as Risk Assist based on customer feedback, and introduced improvements to our customer portal allowing fleet managers greater control over the data within their fleets. We now manage almost 50,000 vehicles in the UK with a team of around 200 personnel across multiple sites. Last summer, we launched a new internal programme of training to ensure we keep the customer at the very centre of everything we do. By bringing together people from different parts of the business, we’ve been able to share and develop the skills and best practice to help make the increasingly complex and demanding role of the fleet manager easier. We’ve seen over the last few years a real
change in the way that business is done and the challenges which fleet managers now face. The impact of the recession in the UK, coupled with the increasing emphasis on environmental concerns and the hike in fuel prices, has left many organisations considering the effectiveness of their fleets. However, we’re pleased to see that most organisations have taken on board the messages about the dangers of the grey fleet – a potential failure in duty of care, increased carbon dioxide emissions and implications for staff recruitment and retention – and are actively looking at ways of making their existing fleets more efficient rather than cutting them entirely. These efficiencies are likely to come from the introduction of sophisticated telematics
systems which can bring about more effective route planning and improvements in driver behaviour, as well as reductions in idling and wear and tear. We’ll also see greater emphasis on low carbon vehicles and reductions in fuel consumption. In the coming years, we’ll be working closely with our customers to deliver even greater improvements and efficiencies, innovating the customer service model and delivering benefits to everyone involved. Together, we will make life easier for fleet managers. FOR MORE INFORMATION 0870 402 8242 info@ingcarlease.co.uk www.ingcarlease.co.uk
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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100% WRITE DOWN + 109g/km CO + 68.9mpg (COMBINED) 2
=
THE BMW 320d EFFICIENT DYNAMICS SALOON. A SIMPLE EQUATION FOR FLEET DECISION MAKERS. Matching premium cars with efficiency can be a difficult equation to balance. But when Dow Jones places BMW at the top of its automobile Sustainability Index for the sixth year running, it’s clear that the sums really do make sense. With outstanding fuel economy of 68.9mpg (combined) and exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 109g/km, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon is the most efficient car BMW has ever made. It means your business benefits from 100% writing down allowance in the first year of ownership, along with surprisingly low running costs. It all adds up to make the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon a perfectly efficient formula. For more information please visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk or email corporatesales@bmw.co.uk.
320d ED Saloon
68.9mpg 163hp
Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 320d ED Saloon: Extra Urban 78.5mpg (3.6l/100km). Urban 56.5mpg (5.0l/100km). Combined 68.9mpg (4.1l/100km). CO2 emissions 109g/km. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.
BMW Group Corporate Sales
BMW GROUP
BMW i3
Interview
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
A HOLISTIC VISION FOR FUTURE MOBILITY
With a year-on-year rise in corporate sales and an armful of fleet awards, BMW Group’s presence in the fleet market is going from strength to strength. GreenFleet talks to BMW Group’s Stephen Chater about how this success is achieved and what we can expect in the future Within BMW Group’s trophy cabinet sits numerous accolades such as GreenFleet’s own Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year Award and the Industry Supplier Award from the Energy Saving Trust’s Fleet Hero Awards. These awards are testament to the manufacturer’s strength within the fleet and business car segment. So what’s the strategy behind this great achievement? “During these challenging economic times, businesses look for a product that’s safe and reliable, that offers better whole-life costs to reduce fleet and tax expenditure and that helps to meet carbon reduction targets,” explains Stephen Chater, BMW Group’s corporate operations manager. “But our customers still want a product that is desirable and that performs strongly. That sums up BMW Group vehicles – we create efficient products but we don’t compromise driving dynamics – that is why there is such strong demand for BMW and MINI products in the market.” SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT BMW Group’s ability to create super utralow emission vehicles whilst still offering premium, high performance cars is epitomised by the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon. This groundbreaking 163hp, 137mph model
emits just 109 g/km of CO2 and achieves a remarkable 68.9 mpg on a combined cycle. But has BMW Group reached emission levels as low as it can with internal combustion engines? No, says Chater: “Since its launch, EfficientDynamics has been at the heart of our emission reduction strategy and it will remain there for the foreseeable future. BMW’s emissions have been reduced by almost a third between
across the entire BMW and MINI range should be expected. EfficientDynamics is unique in that it appears across the BMW range and is completely free of charge.” ALTERNATIVE FUELS But that’s not to say that BMW Group is not embracing alternatively-fueled vehicles such as electric and hybrids – far from it. Through BMW’s newly announced sub-brand
During these challenging economic times, businesses look for a product that’s safe and reliable, that offers better whole-life costs to reduce fleet and tax expenditure and that helps to meet carbon reduction targets. 1995 and 2009 and that trend will continue. “35 per cent of the existing BMW and MINI fleet and business orders currently account for models with less than 121 g/km CO2 with only eight per cent above 160g/km. That trend of emission reduction will continue on the internal combustion engines; MINI has already broken the 100g/km barrier with the Cooper D and further improvements
BMW i, the manufacturer will be creating visionary cars and services, using inspiring design and technology, to develop an entirely new concept of premium mobility. But they won’t be going in blind. BMW Group has done extensive research into the needs and concerns of the public when it comes to electric mobility. Last year around 600 electric MINIs, dubbed the MINI E, were E
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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Welcome to The Green. Helping you put sustainability at the heart of your fleet.
Looking for ways to run a greener fleet? Why not visit The Green, the new sustainability website from Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading fleet management and fleet funding specialist. Get help at The Green www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen Find free help and advice on sustainable issues, including: • choosing the right vehicles • tax and budget • fuel strategy and how to cut your fuel bill. Visit The Green at www.lexautolease.co.uk/theGreen today, and see why we’re Green Fleet Leasing Company of the Year.
Or you can call us for more information on 0800 389 3690.
BMW GROUP drivers vital information, such as where the nearest charge point is, train times, car club locations, and so on. We’ve taken a more holistic approach which looks at how people are likely to get around in the future, it’s not just about vehicles” says Chater. To achieve this, a venture capital company was founded in New York City called BMW i Ventures. Through building long-term partnerships, the company will invest in projects which aid mobility, the first of which is MyCityWay, a mobile application that will provide users with information on public transportation, parking availability, and local entertainment for over 40 cities. "BMW Group’s strategy is to be the leading provider of premium products and premium services relating to individual mobility. But in the future when people think 'premium', we want them naturally to think 'sustainable' too," explains Chater. The BMW Group has been named as the automotive industry’s Supersector leader for the sixth consecutive year, and is therefore the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer in the Dow Jones Sustainability index.
Mini E electric trial vehicle
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics
E trialed throughout the UK, Germany and the US by consumers and businesses in every day life in order to gain real-life feedback. The second phase of the trial will begin this year in the form of a four-seater electric coupe called the BMW ActiveE which will be used to test other facets such as infrastructure, renewable energy and market potential. Following these two trials, BMW Group will learn from the feedback to develop and perfect the BMW i3 and BMW i8 – the first offerings under the BMW i umbrella, due for launch in autumn 2013. Formerly known as the Mega City Vehicle, the BMW i3 will be fully electric and will incorporate a new vehicle LifeDrive architecture. The BMW i8 will be a plug-in hybrid vehicle which provides both the efficiency of an electric vehicle, with impressive fuel efficiency and sports car performance. What’s interesting is that both cars will be
Interview
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
designed to accommodate their respective alternative drive systems – rather than trying to put electric components into a traditional vehicle. “We will use lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium to offset practically all of the extra weight added by the batteries. Not only will this significantly increase the range, but it will make the car more agile for superior driving dynamics and will offer more flexibility when shaping the interior space,” Chater explained. THE CONNECTED CAR Not stopping there, BMW i will incorporate an array of products and services to facilitate and enhance seamless mobility. “If people have a vehicle that has restrictions on range and drive time then you can offer reassurances by connecting the driver with the outside world. Via smart phone based applications, we can give
PEOPLE POWER Not just focusing on products, BMW Group also invests significantly in its employees to ensure they are armed with the right skills specific for the fleet sector. The field force have been accredited by the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) and are encouraged to take on a consultative and advisory approach to help businesses maximise their fleet’s potential. What also makes BMW Group stand out against the competition is its customer focus, a willingness to listen and its transparency when it comes to feedback. “Customers can now give star ratings which appear on dealerships websites – a first in the motor industry. We believe that our customers have a right to see the performance of their dealership,” explains Chater. It is an exciting time for BMW Group with its inspirational new designs and holistic approach to future mobility. But the manufacturer also has its feet firmly on the ground: “We know that electric mobility is inevitable and has an exciting future but it is dependent on many factors: infrastructure, political support and consumer appetite, for example. When you look at the trends, it is likely that internal combustion engines will continue to grow until 2020-2025. Therefore we will continue to optimise the internal combustion engine in parallel with the development of new vehicle concepts and the electrification of powertrains. We will deliver the most aspirational and lowest-emission vehicles in the premium market,” concludes Chater. And it is this energy to always strive to be better that will ensure BMW and MINI continues to shine amongst the competition. L
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www.twitter.com/totalcard_uk
@TOTALCARD_UK
TOTALCARD green Better for your business and the environment
TOTALCARD green is the fuel card that will help you cut your C02 emissions by reducing the fuel consumption of your vehicles. Not only will this help you act responsibly towards the environment, but you will also save money. For more information please call 0870 111 8942 www.totalcardgreen.co.uk
FUEL CARDS
TOTALCARD green is the fuel card from TOTAL that will help cut your CO2 emissions by reducing your fuel consumption Reducing your CO2 emissions will not only help you act responsibly towards the environment, but it will also help you save money; it’s a win/win situation. The most effective way of reducing your vehicles’ CO2 emission is to reduce their fuel consumption. And there are plenty of ways that TOTALCARD green can help. The starting point when you want to reduce your CO2 emissions is to be able to measure them. Based on your vehicles' fuel spending, our monthly online CO2 reports will provide you with an update on your emissions. CO2 REDUCTION PLAN Once you know your CO2 emissions, TOTALCARD green can help you implement your CO2 reduction plan. There are three key ways we can do this, such as through incentives on advanced fuels like EXCELLIUM, which has an average 3.8 per cent reduced consumption compared to regular fuels. We will offer a reduction of 2p per litre, including VAT, on all EXCELLIUM fuels at TOTAL sites. The impact of TOTAL EXCELLIUM on fuel consumption has been proven by trials on several types of vehicles, under various conditions. Advanced fuels are technically designed to be more effective, giving you more miles for the same amount of fuel. We can also help you take control of your fuel spending, via a complete set of web services that will help you monitor what you spend on your TOTALCARD green. As well as this, our new ECO 10 programme is designed to help fleet managers reduce their fuel consumption. ECO 10 gives essential guidelines and information on advanced fuels and products, car maintenance and effective driving behaviour. After you have calculated and reduced
your CO2 emissions, the third step you can take is to follow up the efficiency of your CO2 reduction plan on TOTALCARD Online@. This will give you the following information: CO2 emissions amount (global and per card); percentage of EXCELLIUM fuel used (global and per card); and savings made (in litres and CO2 emissions). When implementing a CO2 emissions reduction plan for your fleet, the prerequisite is to be able to calculate its CO2 emissions. And if you want to go the whole distance, why not go carbon neutral with Carbon Clear? Every three months, you will receive an e-mail detailing your vehicle’s emissions for the previous three months. A link on the e-mail will take you to Carbon Clear's website where you can decide whether to offset your fleet emissions. If you decide to offset with Carbon Clear, you will receive a certificate that you can use to support your fleet efficiency objectives and communicate to clients that you are helping the environment. CARBON OFFSETTING Carbon offsetting is the process by which greenhouse gas emissions from activities such as driving are matched against carbon reductions from high quality carbon credits. Carbon credits represent one metric tonne of CO2 avoided or removed by a carbon reducing project. Your TOTALCARD green package will include new CO2 reports; guidelines on CO2 reductions; optional carbon offsetting; attractive pricing; paperless billing; up to six weeks interest free credit (subject to approval); easy VAT reclaiming; and the TOTALCARD green is accepted in 3,000 sites including TOTAL,
BP and Shell. This service will help you monitor your spending and save time: you will only be alerted if an abnormal transaction takes place. Other benefits for TOTALCARD green customers are ten per cent off Quartz Ineo ECS, which is a fuel economy lubricant. By default, a fuel economy lubricant is also a fuel-saving one, because the engine requires less energy to make the various parts move, so it consumes less fuel and emits less CO2. And to help your car run cleanly inside and out, TOTALCARD green customers can also enjoy ten per cent off car washes. MONITOR SPENDING Transaction reports are also available with TOTALCARD green. You can access daily reports, which will allow you to view your fleet's transactions every day. This is useful to anticipate your expenses at the end of an invoicing period, and to monitor your fleet's spending. An invoicing file will allow you to download an electronic file containing your invoice data. You can then use this file for your accountancy and/or load it in your fleet management software. Thanks to these transaction reports, you can keep an eye on your spending and save administration time. Our secure website will also allow you to manage your cards online 24/7. You can create, cancel, modify, and download an up-to-date card list – all in just a few clicks. L
Advertisement Feature
NOT JUST A LOAD OF HOT AIR
Fuel Management
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
FOR MORE INFORMATION www.totalcardgreen.co.uk Twitter: @TOTAL_ECO10 @TOTALCARD_UK
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
43
FUEL CARDS
Written by Jakes de Kock, the Fuel Card Company
Fuel Management
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
KEEPING A CHECK ON FUEL USAGE
As well as lower fuel prices, fuel cards can give businesses a wealth of information that can help identify areas where savings and improvements can be made for a more efficient fleet Fuel cards are, simply put, credit cards for use when buying fuel. Companies that run vehicle fleets – taxis, delivery vans, HGVs – issue them to their drivers for three traditional reasons: to control and monitor fuel spending, to easily reclaim VAT and to gain access to the attractive lower prices only available under such schemes.
Fuel card holders can save up to ten pence per litre on the national average diesel price, depending on which card they have. Such economies quickly mount up and can make a real difference to the bottom line of companies with substantial vehicle fleets. For example, if an organisation currently spending £350 a month on fuel for each
Although fuel cards deliver immediate savings at the pump, the real benefit comes from the increased control managers have over fuel usage and therefore spend, which can lead to substantial long-term savings. 44
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 49
vehicle acquired fuel cards and achieved an average saving of 6p a litre, each lorry, van or car would cost £21 less per month to run. Over 12 months, this makes for a saving of £252. An organisation with a tenstrong fleet would retain £2,520 per annum, while a company of 30 vehicles would be a highly impressive £7,560 better off. Fleets of one hundred vehicles would cut their fuel spend by a hefty £25,200 across the year. BETTER CONTROL Although fuel cards deliver immediate savings at the pump, the real benefit comes from the increased control managers have over fuel usage and therefore spend, which can lead to substantial long-term savings. Businesses are able to monitor individual driver's usage, as well as that for the entire fleet, providing managers with a wealth of information. This can help identify areas where savings can be made, such as routing, or training individuals to adopt a more fuel efficient driving style – both of which also have a positive environmental impact. Each fuel producer issues its own cards. A credible operator will make it a priority to get the right card to the right customer at the right time. With this is mind, it is vital that clients do not simply accept a casual recommendation, but task card issuers with compiling in-depth reports that justify quite how the card they are E
E recommending will meet their needs. This should involve a meticulous analysis of the client company’s area of operations using geolocation technology – going out as far as 50 miles in some cases. All options need to be assessed for a balanced advice on what will give maximised benefits – a good start is to visit an online resource such as www.comparefuelcards.co.uk. ADDED VALUE Beyond this, card providers are, increasingly, adding consultancy and access to preferential rates on other services and products. These include finance services, roadside recovery, news and weather feeds, vehicle maintenance, customer loyalty benefits/membership and fleet management technology. Use of this is growing in popularity and a good example of rising uptake by card providers is vehicle tracking hardware; systems that give fleet managers realtime information on the activities of their drivers, including journey times, driving speeds and fuel consumption. Downloadable speed analysis reports show how a vehicle has been driven in comparison to the rest of the fleet and idling reports show when it is stationary but the engine has been left running. Again, this allows action to be taken when fuel is being wasted, for
both economic and ecological benefits. Such opportunities to cut usage and increase operating efficiency are not merely driven by the need to address rising fuel prices; there is a rising feeling that businesses need to be run leaner and more sustainably
Fuel Management
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
before good practice is imposed on them. As relationships have deepened with fleet managers and they realise that what’s on offer goes far beyond a saving at the pumps, the fuel card sector is one driven by rising client demands and expectations. L
Do you charge a card fee?
Does your card cover alternative fuels?
Do you offer a non-pump price agreement?
Does your card cover all vehicle types?
Do you offer a card to cover non-fuel items?
Is your card single branded or multi-branded?
Is your card accepted at fuel stations throughout Europe?
Do you offer account management via the internet?
How many fuel stations is the car accepted in?
Do you provide management/ analysis reports?
FUEL CARD COMPARISON CHART
Total
3,000+
Yes
Yes
Yes
Multi
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Arval
100% major forecourts
Yes
Yes
No
Multi
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
BP
3,000+
Yes
Yes
Yes
Multi
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Chevron Ltd
1,600+
Yes
Yes
No
Both
Car wash only
Yes
Yes
No
No
Esso
1,900+
Yes
Yes
Yes
Both
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Shell UK
3,000
Yes
Yes
Yes
Both
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The Fuelcard Company
6,000+
Yes
Yes
Yes
Multi
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Volume 49 | GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE
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Commercial Vehicles Advertisement Feature
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
FIAT DOBLÒ CARGO
WHEN THE JOB REQUIRES A PROFESSIONAL...
More spacious, more high-tech and more focused on savings than ever before: the new Doblò Cargo is best-in-class in terms of performance and functional features, load capacity and fuel consumption The new Doblò Cargo is ideal for professionals who spend many hours each day riding in the vehicle: in city traffic, frequently stopping for loading and unloading and also for longdistance transfers. Innovative design and generous dimensions make the new Doblò Cargo the benchmark in its category. CLASS LEADER The new Doblò Cargo sits on an all-new platform that makes it a class leader in all the areas that matter most to professional drivers. That includes payloads from 750 kg to 1000 kg and a load compartment that can take volumes of 3.4 m2 or 4.2 m2. The floor is even and regular in shape to take all sorts of loads with ease, and the large sliding doors and generous rear doors make loading and unloading an easy task, helping you to work faster and with less effort. Not only does it have greater carrying capacity than before in both weight and size terms, but new suspension ensures the Doblò’s ride is improved. And a new range of Euro 5-compliant engines makes it cleaner and cheaper to run. Fiat Doblò Cargo is available with a choice of four low emissions, Euro 4 and 5-specification engines, and comes in seven different forms – Cargo, Cargo Maxi, Cargo SX, Cargo Maxi SX, Combi, Combi
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GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE | Volume 49
Maxi and Platform Cab – to offer solutions for a wide spectrum of fleet needs. The wide choice of engines comprises a 1.4litre 16v 95bhp petrol unit and three MultiJet 16v diesels – 1.3 (90bhp), 1.6 (105bhp), and 2.0 (135bhp). All engines deliver generous torque and sparkling acceleration and stand out for their remarkable performance, great driving pleasure, low noise, reliability and eco-friendliness with CO2 emissions from only 126 g/km. Designed to guarantee the lowest running costs in their class – the 1.3 MultiJet achieves 58.9 mpg on the combined cycle and boasts service intervals of 21,000 miles – these engines represent the best possible investment for your business. START&STOP The new Doblò Cargo consumes even less fuel and respects the environment even more. Start&Stop – which stops the engine automatically whenever traffic conditions bring the van to a complete halt, and restarts it when the driver wants to move off again – is fitted on all Euro 5 versions to give up to 15 per cent fuel savings, and an impressive reduction in CO2 emissions. The workplace for a van driver has never been so comfortable. The new Doblo Cargo boasts independent bi-link rear suspension to
deliver saloon car comfort while permitting class-beating payloads. Modular design allows the suspension to be calibrated specifically to maximise dynamic performance, space and the payload to suit perfectly your business needs. It features a host of smart solutions that transform the driver's cab into a veritable travelling office, such as a shelf under the roof, a document holder on the dashboard and plenty of practical storage compartments. TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS The vehicle also offers technical solutions and technological equipment that create optimum comfort and help keep attention on the road: these include a climate control system available in an automatic version, cruise control, parking sensors, a built-in Blue&Me hands-free system, a Blue&Me TomTom navigation system and the innovative eco:Drive Fleet Professional system. Awards including International Van of the Year 2011, What Van? magazine’s 2011 Light Van of the Year and the just-announced Best Light Van in the 2011 Van Fleet World Honours confirmed what a truly remarkable vehicle the new Doblò Cargo is. Job done. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Business centre: 08446 623622 www.fiatprofessional.co.uk
SMARTER
DRIVING SUPPLEMENT in association with
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker, experiencing Smarter Driving training in September 2010
SMARTER DRIVING
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
THE SMART COURSE THAT CUTS FUEL BILLS Smarter driving saves money, fuel and fleet emissions. But how do you roll it out across your organisation – and get employees on board with the idea? The Energy Saving Trust explains The Energy Saving Trust has been conducting Smarter Driving training throughout England over the past three years and clients have found the intensive, enjoyable nature of the course highly productive. Energy Saving Trust consultant Bob Saynor says: “We focus on teaching the simple things that make driving less stressful as well as more efficient and the fact we do it in less than an hour makes it really popular with busy fleets.” It’s easy for you and your employees to take part in a Smarter Driving course – not least because it doesn’t take long to learn the principles that make a smarter driver and then put them into practice. That means people don’t have to give up a large chunk of the day to reap the benefits – under an hour, in fact. And as the course comes to you, there’s no additional travel time so disruption to the working day is kept to a minimum. At just £20 per driver, it’s an extremely cost effective way to cut fuel bills.
WHY OFFER SMARTER DRIVING TRAINING? In the past two years, fuel prices have risen by 40 per cent, putting a considerable extra burden on business costs. Many organisations have been exploring ways to cut those costs. The Energy Saving Trust can advise on how to do that – by changing the mix of the fleet to lower emitting vehicles, encouraging less travel, better route planning or by using telematics. But actually training staff to drive more efficiently isn’t always considered. It should be – because it’s a great business benefit. For companies that employ fuel cards or bunkered fuel the business case is clear since the savings accrue directly to the business. But Smarter Driving also makes a lot of sense for companies paying fixed mileage rates since the training can sweeten some of the more contentious decisions organisations make about their travel policies. For example, many organisations are currently experiencing
pressure to increase mileage rates, particularly after the recent budget in which the chancellor increased the Approved Mileage Allowance Rates, for the first time since 2002, to 45 pence per mile. Companies providing Smarter Driving training are in a much stronger position to resist calls for higher rates since a more efficient driving style counters the financial effect of fuel price increases. In some cases, (such as BAM Construct UK – see case study) organisations may feel confident enough to reduce the rates they pay. Drivers find that the course benefits them outside work as well as for the mileage they do on business. With fuel prices high, that means they save money at home too. So companies rarely have to ‘press gang’ employees to participate. THE COURSE Smarter Driving Training is practical and enjoyable. In less than an hour, each driver
The average reduction in fuel consumption for the 20,000+ drivers who took the course is 15 per cent. undertakes three circuits under instruction. Naturally, the employee already knows the mechanics of propelling the car and, fingers crossed, the principles of safe driving. Now we’ll focus on enabling them to become an efficient driver too. The first circuit provides a baseline to measure fuel efficiency. In this section the instructor monitors driving habits and style to assess where improvements can be made. Miles per gallon and average speed are measured using the on-board computer. In the next stage the instructor provides tuition. It sounds basic – and in some ways it is – but it is also subtle and these are techniques that almost all drivers have either never really perfected or have let slip over the years. It’s all about anticipation, being less heavy-footed; accelerating smoothly, reducing the need to brake, moving up through the gears quickly, or taking your foot off the gas early so you’re still moving when the lights turn green. “There’s a slight danger that it sounds too obvious, or easy, or preachy,” says Saynor, “but most drivers don’t need convincing that there’s something in it.” There are also safety benefits because of the strong emphasis on anticipation. The third lap isn’t a test – that would be far too formal. But it does involve recording average speed and miles per gallon again, based on an identical lap as the first but with the driver applying smarter driving techniques. We can say with a degree of certainty that improvements will almost always be made: the average reduction in fuel consumption
for the 20,000+ drivers who have taken the course is 15 per cent. And this is achieved without decreasing average speed. THE BENEFITS If people took the training on board every time they got behind the wheel, 15 per cent is the amount of fuel the organisation would save – a benefit that the drivers could also enjoy with their private mileage. However, in practice, it doesn’t usually work out like that, because we’re dealing with human beings who sometimes revert back to some of their old habits or allow the effects of the training to fade. However, even if they use some of the techniques some of the time, a realistic expectation of the overall saving is in the region of seven or eight per cent: a considerable direct cost saving for most fleets. Maintaining those improvements is, in some respects, down to management: reminding people of the benefits, monitoring fuel use, identifying those drivers whose standards are slipping, or perhaps introducing incentives to keep MPG high. Some companies, for example, have introduced MPG league tables, usually for fleets of identical vehicles. Others provide incentives for the most efficient drivers – such as funding monthly social events for the most efficient team, or allocating a special and coveted vehicle to the driver with the highest average MPG during the previous month. It takes a little calculation to ensure that these incentives can work with fleets consisting of different models, but MPG figures achieved by employees can always be calculated relative to each vehicle’s official MPG. All in all, the longterm benefits are up to you as fleet managers to ensure that everyone keeps up the good work and remembers their training.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
0845 602 1425 smarter.driving@est.org.uk www.est.org.uk
CASE STUDY
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency in the northwest took up the Energy Saving Trust’s offer of Smarter Driving Training in January 2010. An intensive programme of training followed, with around 250 fleet drivers taking the Smarter Driving course in 12 different locations over a period of about four weeks. The training used the Environment Agency’s own vehicles (which range from 4x4s to smaller Transit vans). Following positive feedback, a new tool was developed to monitor the fleet’s average consumption and CO2 emissions, using data from odometers and fuel cards. According to the Environment Agency’s Lex Massey, twelve months on the training has had a measurable impact: “We’ve seen consumption drop from 0.21 to 0.19 litres per mile, which even taking into account fuel price rises saves a penny a mile. So far in 2011, our drivers have saved 40,594 litres of fuel compared to that achieved before the Smarter Driving course.” Whilst Massey finds that drivers are largely sticking with the smarter style of driving, regional managers and team leaders are monitoring results so they can take action if fuel consumption rises.
CASE STUDY BAM Construct UK When BAM Construct UK Ltd undertook a Green Fleet Review with the Energy Saving Trust back in 2009, it identified driver training as a potential source of savings. An early pilot of Smart Driving training in 2009 was well received and a year later, BAM Construct UK developed a sustainable transport strategy with sister company BAM Nuttall, launching it in 2011. Regular Smarter Driving training features as part of this programme, and so far, 115 employees have taken the course and the benefits seen by employees eased the introduction of lower mileage reimbursement
rates. But according to BAM’s Jesse Putzel, the Energy Saving Trust’s course offers: “Excellent value for money with a low cost per employee.” Smarter Driving is also helping BAM to phase in reduced mileage allowances, because whilst such cuts are not popular with employees, savings of up to 10 mpg from more efficient driving can help mitigate any loss. As another part of its sustainable transport strategy, BAM also incentivises employees to choose more efficient vehicles. Jesse Putzel explains: “Smarter Driving is part of a package of measures that help us to cut fuel costs and emissions and also lessen any potential blow for employees. By
running driver training alongside reductions in our mileage allowance and together with incentives for greener cars, everyone benefits.”
SMARTER DRIVING
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
You could
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Drive smarter and save on fleet costs
Drive smarter on drive fleet costs It’s not just whatand your save employees that matters, it’s how they drive as well. It’s Smarter not your employees So fardrive we have trained over 20,000 drivers Smarterjust Driving what training from the Energy driver training from the Energy Saving Trust from more than 500 public and private sector Saving Trust can help reduce your fleet costs help reduce your company’s costs and carbon thatcan matters, it’s howfleet they drive as well. organisations, including BAE Systems, E.ON UK, and carbon emissions by reducing drivers’ fuel
emissions by reducing fuel consumption by Microsoft and Liverpool City Council. consumption by arounddrivers’ 15 percent. around 15 percent. In a recent survey of organisations that have had This can lead to typical savingsSaving of between Smarter driver training fromannual the Energy Trust £200 This can lead to per typical annual savings of between ourand Smarter Driving training, 100% of respondents* £200 and £250 driver (based on 12,000 miles can help reduce your company’s fleet costs and carbon “Smarter driveruseful training hastobeen £250 per driver (based on 12,000 miles per year). Smarter said they find the techniques in day day per year). Smarter drivers tend to be safer drivers emissions by reducing drivers’ fuel consumption by drivers tend to be safer drivers too, so your company may easy to implement and the first driving. too, so your organisation may also save on the aroundalso 15 percent. saveand on human the cost of servicing and repairing vehicles. round has seen an impressive 20% physical costs of accidents. reduction in fuel consumption.” This canThe lead to typical annual between £200 andown training sessions aresavings fun, andofare run from your Training takes place in cars or vans with highly “Smarter driver training been and £250 per driver (based on by 12,000 miles per driving year). Smarter company premises our accredited instructors. Scott Jones, Head ofhas Facilities experienced fleet driving instructors. We come drivers Sessions tend to be safer too, so less your than company mayper driver,easy toEnvironment, implement Hampshire and the first cost justdrivers £15 and take an hour NHS Trust to you – so you don’t have to send your drivers also save on the cost ofofservicing and repairing vehicles. making it some the best value training of its kind. So round has seen an impressive 20% off-site – and training takes less than an hour per far we have trained over 11,000 drivers from more than reduction in fuel consumption.” person, so disruption the are working day isyour keptown to a The training sessions are fun,toand run from
350 public and private sector organisations, including BAE companyminimum. premises by our accredited driving instructors. Scott Jones, Head of Facilities and Systems, E.ON UK and Liverpool City Council. Sessions cost just £15 and take less than an hour per driver, Environment, Hampshire NHS Trust subsidised just £20+VAT making itThe some of the cost best isvalue training ofper its person, kind. So making this course extremely cost-effective. far we have trained over 11,000 drivers from more than 350 public and private sector organisations, including BAE Systems, E.ON UK and Liverpool City Council.
For more moreinformation information 0845 602 or 1425 For callcall 0845 602 1425 visit or email smarter.driving@est.org.uk www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving
*Based on 149 responses i.2881 Green Fleet Ad 1 Health.indd 1
For more information call 0845 602 1425 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving 19/04/2010 15:42
EVENT PREVIEW
A GREEN VEHICLE SHOWCASE IN SCOTLAND The demonstration of low and zero-emission vehicles returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh on 1 September Fleet managers are under constant pressure to deal with a range of issues, such as reducing costs, increasing safety and minimising their carbon footprint. GreenFleet Scotland aims to convince fleet managers and those responsible for vehicle procurement that a greener fleet doesn’t have to mean a higher level of investment. Following the success of last year’s event, GreenFleet is once again coming to Edinburgh on Thursday 1 September 2011. It will prove to be a must attend event for fleet managers and those responsible for vehicle procurement by showcasing a range of green vehicles and technology to make a business’s fleet greener and more efficient. ECO-DRIVING EXPERIENCE The eco-driving experience will start the day’s proceedings and will involve teams navigating their way to a number of checkpoints in the Edinburgh area in order to test their ecodriving skills. The teams from public and private sector organisations in Scotland will all drive the same model of car, and their fuel use will be accurately measured by Millbrook Laboratories, one of Europe’s leading organisations for the testing, development and demonstration of many vehicle types. Once the eco-driving experience teams have set off, visitors will be able to peruse the latest offerings from the leading manufacturers, and will be given an opportunity to test drive the cars and light commercial vehicles which are pushing low emissions technology forward, as well as some of the tools that help reduce mileage. A range of seminars will take place throughout the day. Focusing on the most current fleet topics, attendees will be able to hear about the latest developments and share their experience and knowledge of the issues of the day. ENERGY SAVING TRUST The Energy Saving Trust is supporting GreenFleet Scotland to compliment the work it has been doing with a number of public and private sector bodies to help them understand how they can save money and reduce their impact on the environment. With funding from the Scottish government, the Energy Saving Trust already manages carbon reducing initiatives such as
green fleet reviews and travel planning. It is keen to continue to promote these messages to business fleets through the GreenFleet Scotland event. The Energy Saving Trust encourages the adoption of travel alternatives, such as video conferencing or using public transport, but it also appreciates that there are times when travel by car or van is necessary. That is why the Energy Saving Trust is supportive of GreenFleet Scotland’s plans to bring together a selection of low carbon vehicles, so that fleet managers and other transport professionals can ‘touch, taste and feel’ the low carbon alternatives, and assess their suitability for purpose. EXHIBITORS GreenFleet Scotland will play host to a comprehensive exhibition of the latest eco-friendly vehicles, technologies, products and services. Aixam Mega and Allied Electric will have a line up of zero emission, electric vehicles available to test drive. Meanwhile Peugeot will be displaying its all-electric iOn which has a range of up to
GreenFleet Scotland
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and easy to use within existing infrastructure. What’s more, SEAT will be offering test drive opportunities for a line up of their latest low-emission vehicles. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Ashwoods Automotive, the UK’s largest supplier of hybrid LCVs and retro-fit hybrid technology, will be exhibiting at GreenFleet Scotland, as will E-Power Trucks, who will be showcasing a range of electric powered vehicles, such as electric utility vehicles, electric tugs and multi passenger vehicles. What’s more, Green Machines will be demonstrating its electric road sweepers. The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin, will be on hand to demonstrate its cutting-edge navigation systems, consumer electronics and communication technologies, while Michelin will present its energy-saving, low rolling resistance tyres. Lex Autolease are also exhibiting to give advice on fleet management and funding issues. And for a whole range of green services, Big Green Book – the UK’s premiere environmental and promotional
John Curtis, Head of Low Carbon Vehicles and Fuels at the Scottish Government, kicks off the Eco-Driving Experience at GreenFleet Scotland 2010
80 miles and a maximum speed of 80 mph. In addition, Citroën will be demonstrating its C-ZERO, as well as a selection of sub 100g/km CO2 emissions cars, such as the advanced new C3 and DS3 Airdream models. Elektromotive, the world’s leading provider of recharging stations for electric vehicles, will be demonstrating its Elektrobay charging station, which can be installed at the kerbside or in multi-storey car parks. Schneider Electric will also be in attendance to discuss their solutions to enable the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, such as ensuring that users and installations are safe, and making charging stations accessible
business network – will be on hand to help you align your business operations with environmental management. With all these resources under one roof, GreenFleet Scotland will be invaluable in promoting greener and more cost-effective fleets. Attendance if free of charge to those in the fleet and transport professions and will include free refreshments and buffet lunch, plus the chance to win one of many Garmin satnavs throughout the day. FOR MORE INFORMATION To register, please visit www.greenfleetscotland.co.uk
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EVENT PREVIEW
PLANET-FRIENDLY VEHICLES RETURN TO ROCKINGHAM
Arrive 'N' Drive
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
Procuring greener vehicles? Get down to GreenFleet’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive on May 26 for a chance to test drive the latest green vehicles around a top-class race track
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EVENT PREVIEW With fuel prices surpassing £1.40 per litre, switching to more fuel efficient vehicles is no longer an ethical, nice-to-have option, but a necessity. GreenFleet’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive, which takes place on 26 May at Rockingham, Corby, Northamptonshire, will allow fleet managers to put the latest green vehicles through their paces on a first-class race track to prove that buying green doesn’t have to mean a compromise in performance. Attendees will also be able to take in a huge range of products and services that help reduce the running cost and CO2 emissions of their transport operations. NEW LAYOUT A new layout means that the manufacturers taking part this year will have more vehicles available for test drive than ever before, with the likes of Citroen, Honda, Vauxhall, SEAT, Volkswagen, Kia, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Ford, Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai and TATA all confirmed to attend. The event will be the first opportunity for
A new layout means that the manufacturers taking part this year will have more vehicles available for test drive than ever before, with the likes of Honda, Citroen, Peugeot, Vauxhall, SEAT, Volkswagen, Ford, Kia and Hyundai confirmed to attend. UK fleet managers to see and test drive the dynamic Ampera, Vauxhall’s rangeextended electric vehicle, due out in 2012. The Vauxhall Ampera fixes the shortfalls associated with conventional electric vehicles, mainly ‘range anxiety’ – the nagging question “will the battery get me to where I need to go and back again?” The Ampera works as a standard electric vehicle in that it is always driven by an electric motor. It has a Lithium-ion battery which delivers up to 30 miles on a full charge. But once the battery has
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depleted, a petrol engine kicks-in, driving an onboard generator to supply electricity to sustain the battery. And in this mode, the car can go on for another 310 miles. Ford are giving the event yet another UK first – the opportunity to test drive the new Transit Connect Electric, developed with Azure Dynamics. The 192-cell 28kWh lithium-ion battery pack is housed under the load floor so that the standard van’s 3.8m3 load space potential is retained. Plugged into a 13A domestic socket it takes around eight hours to charge the pack fully. E
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2011 It took the world 32 years to catch up with Ring and Young when the world's first mobile phone network (which used a system of radio towers in hexagonal cell structures) began operating commercially in 1979. So, in a way, the ultra-stylish, new Sportage 1 GDi wouldn't have voice activated Bluetooth® as standard without them.
Kia Sportage 1 GDi from £219† (plus VAT) per month.
Kia Fleet. Be ahead of the game.
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COMBINED MPG
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RESIDUAL VALUE
SMR
BENEFIT-IN-KIND @ 20%
BENEFIT-IN-KIND @ 40%
COST PER MILE OVER 60K MILES
£16,835
44.1
149
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Want to find out just how affordable the future of fleet is? Call us today on 0845 126 4700 and we’ll surprise you.
www.kia.co.uk/fleet Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100 km) for the Kia Sportage 1 GDi are: Urban: 37.7 (7.5) – 47.1 (6.0). Extra Urban: 48.7 (5.8) – 58.9 (4.8). Combined: 44.1 (6.4) – 54.3 (5.2). CO2 emissions are 149 – 135g/km. Model shown is Kia Sportage 1 GDi. For Business users only. †£219 per month refers to Kia Sportage 1 GDi on a 36 month/30,000 miles ‘Maintenance Excluded’ contract hire scheme (with an advance payment of 3 monthly rentals), provided by ALD Automotive, BS 16 3JA. Package includes road fund licence and Kia Assistance. Rental valid on orders placed on or before 30 June 2011. All payments subject to VAT. Written quotations available on request. Credit provided subject to status. Excess and other charges may apply depending on the mileage and condition of the vehicle at the end of the contract. Excess mileage charges will be applied if the contract mileage of 30,000 miles is exceeded. Wear and tear is determined by reference to condition commensurate to age and mileage. For full details please refer to www.kia. co.uk. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Prices correct at time of going to print. *7 year / 100,000 mile warranty. See your local dealer or visit www.kia.co.uk for full warranty terms and exclusions.
EVENT PREVIEW
"This event really is the crucible of what’s going to happen. There’s stuff here, such as the Citroen C-Zero, which I have never even seen before, let alone driven. For fleet drivers, journalists and everyone in attendance, it’s an absolutely fantastic event to be able to have access to these cars," Quentin Willson. E HIGH PROFILE ATTENDEES Motoring Journalist Quentin Willson, who champions the cause for environmental motoring, attended last year’s event. He said: “This event really is the crucible of what’s going to happen. There’s stuff here, such as the Citroen C-Zero, which I have never even seen before, let alone driven. For fleet drivers, journalists and everyone in attendance, it’s an absolutely fantastic event to be able to have access to these cars.” Quentin took the new Citroen C-ZERO for a spin round the Rockingham track. The full-electric C-ZERO is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47 kW or 64 bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 180 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm. Quentin continued: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to drive these cars
hard and fast, yet safely, around a race track and see that green cars need not necessarily be dull and boring – far from it. “The government needs to put more subsidies behind it, but this is an exploding market. What we see here now will be in mainstream suburbia within three years. The Lib Dems and Conservatives have a huge remit to deliver a low carbon economy. Sustainable motoring will be massive." NEW FOR 2011 This year’s event sees the Main Showcase Arena move up to the Outer Paddock area. This is twice the size of last year’s area, and will allow manufacturers to showcase more vehicles than ever before, meaning attendees get the chance to test drive and experience a choice of over 100 models. This will also be the first year that the
test-drive circuit will not close for lunch, meaning more test drive time on the day. The 2011 event will also see the EV Arena moved to the heart of the Main Showcase Arena, with its own mini test drive circuit. Meanwhile, the Innovation Zone provides the chance to experience new vehicle technology. The indoor exhibition will be in the Welcome Centre, where breakfast, a hearty buffet lunch and all day refreshments will be served. As well as taking in details of the latest route tracking, fleet management and other fuel saving technologies, attendees will be able to take part in competitions to win some great prizes, including Garmin Sat Navs.
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THE ELECTRIC ZONE Sponsors EDF Energy will be on hand in the EV Arena to advise on safe recharging and infrastructure issues – a hot topic in electric vehicle rollout. Duty of care for vehicle operators when recharging either a pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is of paramount importance and it is the fleet manager’s responsibility to ensure that an employee is in a situation where they know that they are recharging safely, whether the car is at work or at the employee’s home. As the country’s largest producer of low carbon electricity and with a wealth of knowledge of working with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, EDF Energy is best placed to give advice on issues such as where and how to charge, E
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Longer between fill ups. Golf BlueMotion, 74.3mpg. BlueMotion saves you fuel in lots of ways. A Start/Stop system turns your engine off when not needed, regenerative braking stores energy when you brake and the new aerodynamic styling increases economy. Altogether this results in 899 miles on a single tank so fewer visits to the fuel station and an impressive 99g/km CO 2. In turn this means Nil Road Tax and 13% BIK. For more information call the Business Centre on 0800 38 989 38 or visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/fleet/bluemotion
Fleet Services
Calculations based on Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI 105 PS achieving 74.3mpg on the combined cycle with a fuel capacity of 55 litres. Official fuel consumption for the Golf BlueMotion in mpg ( litres/100km): urban 60.1 (4.7); extra urban 83.1 (3.4); combined 74.3 (3.8). CO 2 emissions 99g/km.
EVENT PREVIEW
As well as adopting fuel-efficient vehicles, drivers also have a significant part to play in reducing fuel consumption. Experts agree that smarter driving can result in less fuel usage, as well as reduced accident rates as drivers put greater emphasis on anticipation and reading the road ahead. E technical reporting and usage tracking. mia-electric was founded in July 2010 from the electric vehicle division of Heuliez Automobiles – an independent French vehicle constructor since 1922. The mia range of plug-in electric vehicles was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011 to wide acclaim, mainly for its innovative approach to urban mobility. For a small vehicle, the space is astonishing, making it a multi-purpose and practical
vehicle with bags of fun. Production begins in June 2011 and once mia has qualified for the UK consumer incentive grant, cars should be available in the UK in the Autumn. The distinctive, next generation urban sports bike from Agility Saietta will be at the EV Arena. With a powertrain created to generate incredible acceleration, formidable torque, astounding responsiveness, and intuitive control, Saietta uses electric power as a clear solution to urban riding.
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Aixam Mega, Europe’s largest supplier of ultra-light electric vehicles, will be present on the day. The company is committed to playing its part in developing the market for electric vehicles, as the UK government, local authorities and private sector groups gear up to encourage adoption of electric vehicles to help combat climate change. Meanwhile E-Power Trucks will be showcasing its wide range, including electric utility vehicles, electric tugs and multi passenger vehicles. Euromec Contracts will be in attendance for the first time this year, and this will give everyone the chance to experience the Powerflex TASK M50EV, the first utility vehicle to encompass lithium technology with a range of up to 100km and 60km/h speed. TATA Motors is another Arrive’N’Drive debutant, and will display the fully electric ACE EV, a half-tonne commercial vehicle, in the EV Arena, with the other models in the Main Showcase Arena. E
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i want less emissio More style. i can
Hyundai i30 Comfort 1.6 CRDi Manual
• • • •
119 g/km CO2 emissions 62.8 MPG* Band C VED 13% BIK
Unlimited mileage Warranty
Freephone hyundai 0800 981 981 * Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Combined (Urban/Extra Urban) fuel consumption figure of 62.8MPG. VCA figures are not a guarantee of the fuel consumption drivers will achieve. dealers. 5 Year Triple Care terms and conditions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk/owners/Triple5 or ask your local dealer for full terms and conditions. Warranty cover for cars
Fuel consumption in MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai i30 Comfort 1.6 CRDi Manual: Urban 53.3 (5.3)
Cutting your carbon footprint doesn’t have to mean compromising on style.
ons.
The Hyundai i30, for instance, delivers 62.8 miles per gallon and emits 119 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. Which means, it’s easier on the planet and your wallet. And also, like every car in the Hyundai i-range, it comes with stylish good looks, air conditioning and mp3 compatible CD player as standard. To discover more and to find your local Hyundai Dealer call 0800 981 981.
www.hyundai.co.uk
All information is correct as at time of going to press. Warranty only available on new cars purchased in the UK and sourced from Hyundai Motor UK Limited through its authorised used as taxis or for private hire is subject to a 100,000 mile limit.
Extra Urban 68.9 (4.1), Combined 62.8 (4.5), CO2 Emissions 119g/km.
EVENT PREVIEW
E Charging bay innovators Elektromotive will also be on hand to demonstrate the award winning Elektrobay, as the events Recharging Technology partner. SMARTER DRIVING As well as adopting fuel-efficient vehicles, drivers also have a significant part to play in reducing fuel consumption. Experts agree that smarter driving can result in less fuel usage, as well as reduced accident rates as drivers put greater emphasis on anticipation and reading the road ahead. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is Arrive ‘N’ Drive’s Smarter Driving Partner. The training will incorporate a test route on the real roads
where driving style and fuel consumption will be observed and recorded. EST will then give simple advice on how to drive smarter to reduce fuel use. Armed with this knowledge, participants then put into practice EST’s eco driving tips to see how simple changes to driver behaviour can reduce fuel consumption. Meanwhile, Smarter Driving Technology partner, TomTom Business Solutions, will be on hand to provide a detailed report of participants ‘Smarter Drive’, and will have a range of products on display such as WORKsmart™– the latest innovation to help you get greener, safer and more efficient drivers. The device now comes with Active Driver Feedback™ so drivers can correct their
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behaviour in real time, and Optidrive™ for easy benchmark reporting for fleet managers. If people adopted Smarter Driving practices every time they got behind the wheel, organisations could save 15 per cent on its fuel bills – a benefit that the drivers could also enjoy with their private mileage. MAIN SHOWCASE ARENA – MANUFACTURERS SEAT will once again play a major part in the 2011 GreenFleet Arrive ‘N’ Drive, showcasing their new Ecomotive range, including the Ibiza, Leon and Altea, as well as the new Exeo Multitronic and the award winning new Alhambra. E
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Mitsubishi Electric Car
Plug into the future today
i-MiEV is the clever pure electric car from Mitsubishi. Not just a concept, the i-MiEV is available to test drive and own now. It even qualifies for the Government £5,000 Plug-In-Car-Grant. It can be charged overnight from a 13A household socket and could cost as little as £135 to drive 12,000 miles, if you use Economy 7. No road tax, no BIK company car tax, no congestion charge, free parking in many places and no tailpipe emissions. We call this Intelligent Motion.
For a brochure text ELECTRIC to 84880 For more information visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk or call 01285 647676
i-MiEV will fully charge in 7 hours at a typical cost of £2.09 (£1.05 using Economy 7). Fully charged i-MiEV will drive up to 93 miles.
EVENT PREVIEW E Ford will be present on the day, and in addition to the Transit Connect Electric, visitors will get the chance to test drive the ECOnetic range. The Fiesta ECOnetic offers astonishing fuel economy of 76.3 mpg (combined cycle) and exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km. GreenFleet LCV Manufacturer of the Year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, will be joined by the Passenger Car Division, and will showcase the latest BlueMotion technology from their range. Citroën will be attending to showcase its ever-expanding range of affordable, low emissions vehicles. The all electric Citroen C-ZERO will be available for test drive, as will the advanced new C3 and DS3 Airdream models which are under 100g/km CO2 emissions. Citroën also offers a growing choice in the 100-121g/ km CO2 sector, including C1 city cars, C3 Picasso MPV, Nemo Multispace MPV, new C3, new DS3 and C4 family/fleet cars. Toyota will be presenting its range of groundbreaking hybrids, such as the original hybrid, the Prius, as well as more recent
additions such as the Auris. They will be joined by Lexus, with a hybrid showcase of RX450h, GS450h and CT200h models. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors will be displaying vehicles from its Intelligent Motion range at the 2011 GreenFleet Arrive’N’Drive: the pure electric i-MiEV, the Colt ClearTech, the ASX Crossover and the Outlander Crossover. Volvo will allow visitors to experience its nine DRIVe models with improved aerodynamics and rolling resistance, improved interiors and efficient engines. The Arrive ‘N’ Drive will be one of the first UK venues to showcase Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid coupe. With sporty looks and agile handling, the CR-Z is the most exciting hybrid yet, promising driving thrills and a cleaner exhaust emissions package boasting emissions of 117 g/km and fuel economy of 56.4 mpg. Add to that the Insight and Jazz hybrid, and it’s another green showcase from one of the UK’s leading brands. Hyundai will also be present to demonstrate a selection of their vehicles. In 2009, their models emitted a fleet average of 133g/ km, a ten per cent improvement on the E
Arrive 'N' Drive
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to drive these cars hard and fast, yet safely, around a race track and see that green cars need not necessarily be dull and boring. The government needs to put more subsidies behind it, but this is an exploding market. What we see here now will be in mainstream suburbia within three years. Motoring Journalist Quentin Wilson
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How do you keep your drivers safe? It’s easy with TomTom! • Safely behind the wheel • Promote a safe & efficient driving style • Help drivers relax and focussed on the road
Safer, greener and more efficient driving is easy with TomTom Business Solutions. Our Active Driver Feedback prompts your drivers to stay safe and fuel efficient behind the wheel. And with WEBFLEET® OptiDrive back in the office, you’ll have an easy to use tool to establish a safe driving policy. Improve your safety levels now by calling: 020 7255 9774 | uk.business@tomtom.com
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EVENT PREVIEW E previous year. Current best sellers in the range, the i10, i20 and i30, all have models that emit below 120 g/km of CO2. Peugeot will also demonstrate their latest green offering. The New 3008 has already been awarded the coveted What Car? Car of the Year 2010 title. The practicality and desirability of this vehicle is further enhanced by low CO2 emissions starting from only 130g/km. Kia will demonstrate their EcoDynamics range, which has cutting-edge Intelligent Stop and Go technology fitted as standard. TATA Motors will be demonstrating the Vista EV on the race circuit, complimented by the ACE EV commercial vehicle, the perfect solution for local authorities and NHS.
Arrive 'N' Drive
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
INNOVATION ZONE Allied Electric will be showcasing their modified Peugeot vehicles, which have been recognised for their Outstanding Contribution to the Scottish Environment at the recent Scottish Green Awards 2010. EVC (UK), the electric vehicle specialists, will also be showcasing a range of electric vehicles such as fork trucks, milk floats, tow tractors, personnel carriers, utility vehicles and locomotives. Low emission technology development company, Ashwoods Automotive, will be on hand to discuss how their vehicles and technologies contribute to real and substantial CO2 and fuel usage savings, which not only contributes to a greener environment but also leads to financial savings for the customer. INDOOR EXHIBITION Complimenting the extensive selection of eco-vehicles, the indoor exhibition will showcase other products and services to green your fleet. Situated in the Welcome Centre, this key networking area is the perfect place to converse with experts that can help make fleets operate more efficiently, and is where attendees will also be able to grab a well-earned rest, with breakfast, all day refreshments and a lovely buffet lunch, all courtesy of GreenFleet. Award-winning, low carbon rental company, Greenmotion, will be on-hand to discuss its green offerings – green contract hire. With branches at all major UK airports and all over the UK, Greenmotion is exhibiting for the third time. Lex Autolease will be available to give advice on fleet management and funding issues. Created in 2009 from the merger of Lex with Lloyds TSB Autolease, the company has over 100 years of combined experience and success. TELEMATICS Following on from the successful showcase of the Reporter system last year, TRACKER can provide users with details of fleet activity, to help save money, protect the environment and provide a better service to customers. CMS SupaTrak will be present to talk about E
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EVENT PREVIEW
Arrive 'N' Drive
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
Why attend? n Test drive the latest green vehicles around a first class race track n Get advice from industry experts on important fleet issues n Take part in the Energy Saving Trust’s Smarter Driving programme to see how you can reduce fuel usage n Check out the latest fleet management products, alternative technologies and fuel saving devices n Network with fellow colleagues, industry experts and manufacturers n Enjoy a substantial buffet breakfast and lunch n Be in with a chance of winning a Garmin SatNav E vehicle tracking, fuel saving and mobile working solutions for businesses across the UK and Ireland. The award winning EcoTrak fuel saving technology will be demonstrated throughout the day and free fuel saving consultations will be offered to help businesses reduce their fuel costs. Trimble will also be showcasing a range of telematics and tracking products that drive productivity and efficiency into businesses, such as DriverSafety™, which monitors driver behaviour, fuel use and CO2 emissions and WorkManagement™, which enables cloudbased scheduling for a more flexible work day. Michelin will be exhibiting their low rolling resistance tyres and ATS Euromaster will be on-hand to talk about their tyre management solutions. Meanwhile RL Automotive will display its portable and drive-over tyre wear diagnostic equipment using laser and Bluetooth technology. And for better tyre maintenance, TAC-Scan will demonstrate its products that deliver fast, laser precise measurements of tyre tread and wear. Schneider Electric will also be in attendance to discuss its solutions that enable the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, such as ensuring that users and installations are safe, and making charging stations accessible and easy to use within existing infrastructure. For a whole range of green services, Big Green Book – the UK’s premiere environmental and promotional business network – will be on hand to help you align your business operations with environmental management. ROCKINGHAM With over three miles of race circuits available, Rockingham is an inspirational venue offering amazing backdrops for the ultimate driving events. Centrally located, Rockingham is easily accessible from the A1, M1 and A14, within easy reach of
London and 30 minutes from Bedford. The venue is the first purpose built race track in the UK since Brooklands in 1907 and has transformed the industrial wasteland left by the British steel works into an asset that the people of Corby and Northamptonshire are justly proud of. Rockingham has been designed with safety as a foremost concern, and proudly holds one of the best safety records of all European circuits, as well as offering carbon neutral conferencing facilities, driver training courses and track days. Rockingham offers multiple in-field circuit configurations, featuring hairpins, straights and chicanes with ample passing and run-off areas. Unique to the UK, the Wet Grip facility can simulate a variety of driving conditions including ice, rain and slippery wet leaves. These different road conditions are simulated at much slower speeds than in normal driving and in a fully controlled environment. The area is designed to give drivers a greater understanding of the latest ABS, traction control and crash mitigating technologies, and the way that they affect vehicle control. WIN A SATNAV GreenFleet’s Arrive ‘N’ Drive will be the biggest collection of driveable low and zero emission vehicles the UK has ever seen. Attendees will be able to take in a huge range of products and services that help reduce the running cost and CO2 emissions of their transport operations. Attendance is free of charge to those in the fleet and transport industry. All attendees need to bring is themselves and both parts of their driver’s licence. It couldn’t be simpler. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register for your free visit www.arrivendrive.greenfleet.net
Exhibitor list Agility Saietta Aixam Mega Allied Electric Ashwoods Automotive ATS Euromaster Autodrain Big Green Book Citroën CMS SupaTrak EDF Energy Elektromotive Energy Saving Trust E-Power Trucks Euromec Contracts EVC (UK) Ford Greenmotion Honda Hyundai Kia Lex Autolease mia-electric Michelin Mitsubishi Peugeot RL Automotive Schneider Electric SEAT TATA Motors TomTom Business Solutions Toyota/Lexus TRACKER Trimble Vauxhall Volkswagen Volvo
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2 June 2011. IET London: Savoy Place This focus day is dedicated to the intersection of electric vehicles and smart grids. Headline sessions include infrastructure, charging, customer feedback, policy, standards and business models. The day is preceded by a 2-day conference on Smart Grid www.theiet.org/smartgrid
Speakers include Tim Nicklin, ULCVD Project Manager, FORD Andrew Heiron, Head of Electric Vehicle Programmes, RENAULT UK David Dossett, President, CENELEC (EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR ELECTROTECHNICAL STANDARDISATION) Rolf Adam, Director Sales & Business Development – Utilities Smart Grid Europe, CISCO Charles Bradshaw-Smith, Head of E-Mobility, Research and Development, E.ON
Exhibitors
Supported by
Media partners
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England & Wales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SCO38698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG1 2AY.
Find out more and book your place at www.theiet.org/electricvehicles
IET_Electric_Vehicles_178x125_v2.indd 1
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The Best Oil for your Engine and the Environment
Nanotol® is the world’s most advanced nanotechnology surface sealant producing a lasting professional high gloss quality finish on all vehicles. This easy to apply invisible coating prevents dirt from bonding, making future washing easier. A protective layer will help to maintain the quality of all paintwork, chrome and glass. Nanotol® is a revolutionary 100% eco-friendly solution that can be incorporated into all your current washing facilities. To reduce your vehicle cleaning costs call us for the options available to suit your needs. Econano UK Tel: 01628 940002 www.econano.co.uk info@econano.co.uk
• Premium performance • Extreme fuel economy • Reduced exhaust emissions
Tel: 01782 203700 www.fuchslubricants.com
ALL-ELECTRIC MITSUBISHI i-MiEV
Road Test
GREENFLEET® MAGAZINE – www.greenfleet.net
FULLY-CHARGED FUN
Silent, vibration-free and quick-of-the mark, the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV is an experience not to be missed, finds Angela Pisanu With fuel prices crippling for many, the UK launch of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is timely indeed. It is powered 100 per cent by electricity, meaning it costs just around a penny per mile to run. It’s also extremely green, emitting zero tailpipe carbon emissions when in use. HOW IT DRIVES When you turn on the engine, the first thing you notice is how silent it is – there is no noise or vibration and only a bleep lets you know it’s on. The car is so smooth and quiet that it seems to just glide away effortlessly from stationary. And it’s very quick of the mark; because it’s electric, high torque is delivered even at when pulling off and at low speeds. It’s incredibly simple to operate, with one peddle to go, and one peddle to stop. It’s great for urban driving, and nips in and out of traffic effortlessly. And while it looks small on the outside, the cabin is surprisingly roomy. Being an electric vehicle, you might think that you’d have to miss out on certain mod cons, but the i-MiEV has air conditioning, heated seats, electric windows, and so on. You just need to bear in mind that using these devices will use up battery quicker. HOW FAR CAN IT GO? A fully charged battery can do up to 93 miles, but this can be affected by factors like outside temperature, how many electrical devices you have on, and how the car is being driven. The i-MiEV cleverly makes use of regenerative braking so when you release the accelerator pedal and let the car slow down naturally, the deceleration power generates electricity to charge the battery. When you put the gear in ‘B’ this enhances the regenerative function so you get the most out of battery. The dash has a single dial to show what mode the car is in – when in the green area, you are driving in the most efficient way, when in the blue area, the regenerative
function is charging the battery, and when in the white, the car is not being driven efficiently and will be using more battery. CHARGING The i-MiEV is simple to charge. The cable is in the boot and it can be plugged into a standard electric socket. Charging it this way takes seven hours for a full charge, so you could do it overnight. If you’re out and about, you can charge the car at a public charging bay. At present there are over 250 charging points in
COSTS The car costs just under £29,000. With the £5,000 government subsidy, this brings it down to £24,000. This is expensive but you have to bare in mind the extremely low running costs. For example, If charging at night on an economy electricity tariff, a full charge could cost as little as £1.05. This translates to £135 for 12,000 miles. There are other financial benefits too. The i-MiEV is free from London’s congestion charge, which could mean a potential saving of more than £2,000 a year. What’s more, some London boroughs offer free parking for electric vehicles, as do cities such as Milton Keynes. The i-MiEV is also exempt from road tax, and businesses benefit from first year capital allowances and zero benefit in kind tax. So the cost savings soon add up. CARBON VALUE OF CHARGING Of course, some might argue that electric vehicles are not truly zero emission as the electricity used to charge the vehicle has a carbon value. But Mitsubishi say that even when you take this into consideration, the i-MiEV emits approximately 30 per cent of
The car costs just under £29,000. With the £5,000 government subsidy, this brings it down to £24,000. This is expensive but you have to bare in mind the extremely low running costs. london but work has already begun to install another 1,300. When this is achieved by 2013, there will more charging points than petrol stations in London. Many other UK cities are following suit and gaining government funding to install charge points. I’d just advise to do your homework before you set out as most charge points require you to register your car in advance.
WATCH THE i-MiEV IN ACTION www.greenfleet.net/i-mievroadtest
the CO2 of a petrol city car. It is therefore green, whatever way you look at it. And as the government has set targets for 15 per cent of energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, the i-MiEV can only get greener. FOR MORE INFORMATION www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/imiev 01285 647676
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Engine: RFL: BIK: Range: CO2: Charge time: Top speed: Price from:
Electric £0 0 93 miles 0g/km (tailpipe) 7 hours 81 mph £28,990
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